After three days of training and presentations from guest speakers, the 7th NLC Protects seminar successfully concluded in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on May 24th. 

Attended by 80 investigators, prosecutors and child advocates from across Tennessee and an investigator from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the seminar received great reviews. 

“This is a very well-rounded seminar, and I feel extremely lucky to have experienced it,” wrote one attendee.  Another was pleased that “all the instructors do [work these crimes] as well as teach,” making the presenters extremely qualified in their field of expertise.  Over 98% of survey respondents indicated that the seminar was “well done” or “excellent,” with 96% indicating that they would attend a follow-up seminar in the future.

In addition to training on child exploitation interviews, human trafficking, sex offender management, and on-scene forensics, the Tennessee seminar included a presentation on “Child Advocacy Centers and their Role in the Case” from Donna Koester, Executive Director of Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center, and Trudy Hughes, Executive Director of the New Hope Child Advocacy Center.

Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center co-sponsored the seminar and the group’s support, led by President Barry Fain, was integral to its success.  Additional assistance was provided by John Freeze, Program Manager at the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center.

The training was also featured in an article that appeared in The Mountain Press.

The next NLC Protects seminar will take place on July 17th and 18th in the Los Angeles area.  More information will be posted online in early June.