When Kids Witness the Unimaginable

In this episode of One in Ten, Teresa Huizar speaks with Katie Connell, a forensic interviewing expert and retired FBI unit chief, about the impact of mass violence on children. They discuss the prevalence of mass violence incidents, the importance of trauma-informed care for child witnesses, and the evolving roles of Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) in these tragic events. The conversation explores challenges and strategies in interviewing child witnesses, the need for strong community partnerships, and long-term impacts on affected communities. Insights are also shared on supporting the resilience of first responders and the critical role of CACs in providing ongoing support to traumatized children. Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:26 Understanding Mass Violence 01:07 Impact on Children and Trauma-Informed Care 01:47 Interview with Katie Connell 02:18 Defining Mass Violence Incidents 03:50 Role of CACs in Mass Violence 06:10 Case Study: Columbine and Its Long-Term Effects 09:48 Challenges and Considerations for Forensic Interviewers 12:09 Federal and Local Law Enforcement Collaboration 21:56 Community Partnerships and Long-Term Support 27:00 Supporting Responders and Secondary Trauma 35:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections Links:FBI-NCA MOU (memorandum of understanding) began in 2015 and was updated in 2022; it ensures our law enforcement partners have access to CAC services needed to investigate and prosecute federal child abuse casesSupport the showDid you like this episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.