Children in foster care, shelter care, and juvenile justice facilities are among the most vulnerable victims in the justice system. Their cases are also among the hardest to prosecute.

Prosecutors face tough questions. How do you conduct a forensic interview with a youth in a custodial setting? How do you work with child welfare agencies in a criminal case? How do you prepare a traumatized adolescent to testify?

No prosecutor should have to answer those questions alone.

No-cost, one-on-one support

The Association of Prosecuting Attorneys is offering no-cost technical assistance (TA) to prosecutors in juvenile and adult courts handling child abuse cases that arise in custodial settings.

Through this OJJDP-funded initiative, our team and network of partners and faculty provide responsive support, virtually or on-site, depending on your office's needs.

What TA can include

• Subject-matter expertise: Talk through a challenging case with experienced prosecutors and experts.
• Training: Request a presentation for your office or multidisciplinary team.
• Guidance and resources: Get help with issues like forensic interviewing, hearsay exceptions, and expert testimony on victim behavior.
• Partner connections: Tap into the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys' national network.

How to request TA

Submit a request through our online form. Tell us who you are, your preferred format (virtual or in-person), what you need, and any deadlines, such as an upcoming court date.

A member of our team will follow up to discuss the best way to support your office.

Submit a TA Request

Questions? Contact us at contact@apainc.org.