The Children’s Justice Act (CJA), a federal program, provides grants to States to improve the investigation, prosecution and judicial handling of cases of child abuse and neglect, particularly child sexual abuse and exploitation, in a manner that limit additional trauma to the child victim. This also includes the handling of child fatality cases in which child abuse or neglect is suspected.

To be eligible for CJA funds, States are required to establish and maintain a multidisciplinary Task Force on children’s justice. The Task Force is to be comprised of representatives from selected disciplines involved in handling child abuse and neglect cases.

In Wisconsin, the Task Force on Children in Need makes policy and training recommendations regarding methods to better handle these cases with the expectation that it will result in reduced trauma to the child victim and the victim’s family while insuring fairness to the accused. Members of Wisconsin’s Task Force on Children in Need (PDF)

Questions about the Children's Justice Act? Email Lynn Cook:   

Lynn Cook 

Children's Justice Act Program and Policy Analyst

Office of Crime Victim Services

State of WI Department of Justice

(608) 590-7136

Heather Alston-Shannon 

Children's Justice Act Support Specialist

Office of Crime Victim Services

State of WI Department of Justice

Upcoming WIFIG Trainings 2023

Wisconsin Forensic Interviewing Guidelines

This five-day, interactive program is designed to introduce participants to the Wisconsin Forensic Interview Guidelines. Learners will develop forensic interview skills by increasing their knowledge of the process of disclosure, the impact of language and development, effects of trauma, and question strategies that contribute to dynamics of memories and suggestibility. Learners will also engage in practice opportunities for conducting developmentally appropriate forensic interviews of child alleged as child abuse victims or children who have witnessed abuse or violence. All content will be reflected in the concept that forensic interviews have the purpose of gathering accurate information from children about events they experience.

REGISTRATION LINK WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE DISTRIBUTION LIST (see subscription link at bottom of page).

VIRTUAL TRAINING: 

2023

• Week of January 23rd & 30th - VIRTUAL
  • Tuesday and Thursday - 1/24, 1/26
  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - 1/30, 2/1, 2/3
• Week of May 15th - IN PERSON (Location TBD)
  • Monday - Friday 5/15, 5/16, 5/17, 5/18, 5/19
• Week of October 16th - IN PERSON (Location TBD)
  • Monday - Friday 10/16, 10/17, 10/18, 10/19, 10/20

*See more OCVS training opportunities for professionals here.

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