TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
ChildFirst® Training in Virginia
ChildFirst® training equips professionals across Virginia with the tools and skills needed to respond to trauma, strengthen families, and conduct effective forensic interviews in cases of suspected child abuse.
This intensive five-day training builds investigative interviewing skills through an evidence-based, relationship-centered approach that supports coordinated care for children and families.
The training includes lectures, hands-on skill-building exercises, review of recorded forensic interviews, guided reading assignments, and a written examination. Participants gain practical experience that strengthens their ability to conduct trauma-informed, effective forensic interviews within a multidisciplinary response.
What Is ChildFirst® Training?
ChildFirst® is an evidence-based training program developed by the Zero Abuse Project that prepares professionals to deliver trauma-informed care, strengthen family relationships, and build coordinated systems of support for children and families facing complex needs.
The training emphasizes a deep understanding of trauma, how it affects children and families, and how systems can work together to respond more effectively. recognized for its real-world impact, ChildFirst® equips the social workers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and forensic interviewers who show up for children every day with the skills and confidence to make a difference. through Children’s Advocacy Centers across Virginia, this training is part of a larger commitment to making sure no child faces abuse alone.
ChildFirst® brings the field into the classroom to enhance the education of front-line child abuse professionals.
Who ChildFirst® Training Is For?
ChildFirst® training is designed for professionals working with children and families impacted by trauma, including:
- CAC staff
- Child protective services
- Law-enforcement investigators
- Commonwealth Attorneys
This training supports professionals looking to deepen their trauma-informed approach and strengthen the way they serve families in their communities.
Why ChildFirst® Training Matters in Virginia
ChildFirst® training strengthens the ability to respond to child abuse with care, coordination, and expertise.
Through this work, trained professionals help:
- Improve outcomes for children and families
- Strengthen family stability and support systems
- Enhance collaboration across agencies
- Provide consistent, trauma-informed care
CACVA is proud to offer this training in partnership with
What Participants Learn
ChildFirst® training provides a strong foundation in:
- Trauma-informed care and its application
- Family-centered and relationship-based interventions
- Coordinated service delivery across systems
- Strategies for supporting children and caregivers
- Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams
Participants leave with practical tools they can immediately apply in their work.
ChildFirst® Training Dates in Virginia (2026)
CACVA offers three ChildFirst® trainings annually across the state:
March 30 – April 3, 2026
Arlington, VA
July 13 – 17, 2026
Virginia Beach, VA
September 14 – 18, 2026
Christiansburg, VA
Each training is limited to 40 participants, allowing for a focused, collaborative learning environment.
Trainings are led by experienced ChildFirst® faculty, many of whom have volunteered their time and expertise for nearly a decade to support professionals across Virginia.
ChildFirst® Training Dates in Virginia (2026)
Online applications and additional details will be available approximately three months prior to each training date.
Applications will be accessible on this page or can be requested by email:
Emily Simpson
Program Specialist for Multidisciplinary Teams and Forensic Interviewers, CACVA
📧 emily.simpson@cacva.org
Apply for ChildFirst® training : Here
CACVA appreciates the dedicated professionals working with victims of child abuse and looks forward to supporting this work through ChildFirst® training opportunities. Our children deserve our best efforts.