Earlier this month, our very own Cyndi Cantu, Chief Team Relations & Forensics Officer, travelled from Texas to Illinois to speak at the Champions of Children Conference, hosted by the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois. It was a full-circle moment—an opportunity to share what she’s learned in the field with other child advocacy professionals who are just as passionate about protecting kids as we are.
Cyndi presented two sessions, both tackling big questions in the world of forensic interviewing.
“I Don’t Speak That Language! Using Interpreters in the Forensic Interview”
Forensic interviews are all about helping kids share their experiences in a way that feels safe and supportive. But what happens when a child doesn’t speak the same language as the interviewer? In this session, Cyndi walked participants through how to prepare for these situations, from choosing the right interpretation services to working with interpreters—including sign language interpreters—in a forensic interview setting.
She also shared practical tips on making sure the process is smooth for everyone involved, including a debriefing step that helps ensure nothing gets lost in translation.
“You’re Hired! Now What? Tips for Training New Forensic Interviewers”
Starting out as a forensic interviewer can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to learn—not just about the actual interviews, but about working with a multidisciplinary team, testifying in court, and maintaining best practices over time.
Cyndi’s second session focused on how to support new forensic interviewers beyond the basics, giving them the tools they need to grow into confident, capable professionals. She also explored the different forensic interview protocols out there and how teams can use them as a foundation for ongoing training and development.
We’re so proud to have Cyndi representing the Center for Child Protection on a national stage, sharing her expertise, and helping other professionals elevate the work we all do to protect kids. If you ever get the chance to hear her present, trust us—you won’t want to miss it!
