Get Involved
Becoming a Part of Our Mission
Center for Hope’s Forensic Interview Research and Education (FIRE) Program allows all individuals impacted by trauma a voice and opportunity to be heard in forensic contexts. We accomplish this by educating professionals, supporting effective legal processes, and uniting research and practice to promote evidenced based techniques in forensic interviews.
The FIRE team at the Center for Hope offers many opportunities to get involved, and to help elevate and develop the forensic interview process. Interested in getting trained, volunteering, interning, or becoming a trainer yourself? Please see our current options below.
Learn with us!
Training Descriptions
From FIT training intended for people who may conduct forensic interviews, to Trial Skills for those who may be subpoenaed, and everything in between, learn more about our training to find the right course for you.
Calendar
Once you have identified a training path or course that you would like to attend, please check our calendar where we post currently scheduled trainings that are open for registration.
Join our team!
Internships
FIRE interns can join our team in administering tele-forensic interview research. You will have an opportunity to conduct scripted surveys following forensic interviews to gather data about the experiences of interviewees as it pertains to speaking through the computer, or face to face with a forensic interviewer. Special training will be given on how to conduct clinical research in a trauma-informed setting, how to work closely with the forensic interviewers, and how to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to support best outcomes for everyone who comes through the doors at Center for Hope.
Please contact us at [email protected] to inquire about openings.
Trainers
FIRE is recruiting part-time contractual trainers who are FIT graduates and have 5+ years’ experience in forensic interviewing to join our FIT faculty. Applicants must be willing to travel.
Volunteering
Every day, volunteers make a difference in the lives of children and families at Center for Hope. FIRE has volunteer opportunities with education programming and work supporting our research projects.
Please contact us at [email protected] to inquire about openings.
Attorneys and Law Students
FIRE is looking for attorneys and law students to assist in mock trials. The mock trial experience helps develop the skills of child advocacy center staff and other multidisciplinary partners working with child victims of sexual abuse and child witnesses of violent crimes who may testify in court.
You will participate in mock trials so that our trainees may engage in realistic court proceedings. We are interested in having attorneys present on a variety of topics including defending forensic interviews in court, voir dire, etc.
You may play the role of:
- Prosecutor
- Defense attorney
- Judge
You can expect to:
- Conduct direct and cross examinations
- Ask realistic questions relevant to child sexual abuse
- Provide helpful feedback to participants at the end of the mock trial
- Conduct additional presentations about legal proceedings
Please contact us at [email protected] to inquire about openings.
Careers
For more job opportunities with Center for Hope or LifeBridge Health, please visit our Careers page.
Giving and Support!
Donate to Support Our Mission
FIRE engages in research that directly impacts how we conduct forensic interviews as we maintain adherence to the most current best practices. Our goal is to help those impacted by trauma and provide the most up-to-date practices to the professionals we train. We are part of the Center for Hope and LifeBridge Health system which supports our expertise in violence prevention and intervention across the lifespan. Our mission is strengthened by the generous support from donors like you. Please consider giving to the FIRE Program at the Center for Hope today!