Family Advocacy Center Forensic Interview Training and Crisis Support Team Project

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The city of Albuquerque, through the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), will use the grant funds to implement programs that address the needs of homeless individuals, the mentally ill, and children who come into contact with law enforcement. In keeping with the intent of APD's existing programs and building on their success, APD proposes to use the grant allocation to expand the availability of a contracted psychiatrist for homeless outreach and to train officers and staff of the city of Albuquerque's Family Advocacy Center to conduct forensic interviewing. APD's psychiatrist has helped expedite assessments for the homeless and those with mental illness. The development of a forensic interview training program will increase the number of forensic interviewers to assist with investigations involving child victims or witnesses and to enhance APD's capability to conduct these interviews in a timely manner. A training curriculum will be developed by a subject matter expert. Instruction will be provided through a one-day format for the basic course and a one-week format for the advanced course. Once certified, progress will be initially measured by the number of students trained. A follow-up assessment will be made of the number and type of forensic interviews conducted over the duration of the grant funding period.

NCA/NCF