Project Harmony Professional Training

This course educates community members about the basic definitions and responses to all types of child abuse and neglect, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation, and trafficking. This training also describes the services of a Child Advocacy Center, like Project Harmony, and contains mock calls to the Nebraska Abuse and Neglect Hotline. Lastly, the training will cover elements of receiving a disclosure, calling the hotline, and common reactions. By outlining the process and observing realistic examples, learners will be more equipped to respond to a child in need. While most of the content is foundational to all discussions of abuse and neglect, references to statute are specific to Nebraska. Participants from outside of Nebraska are encouraged to investigate child abuse and neglect policies and procedures in their own state. Read more

This course provides a comprehensive overview of dependent adult abuse, with a focus on Iowa code, the impact on victims, and the roles of various agencies involved in supporting dependent adults. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the legal framework surrounding dependent adult abuse, including Iowa state laws, and the critical role that Adult Protective Services (APS) plays in addressing these issues. The course emphasizes the importance of interagency collaboration, highlighting the essential roles of APS, law enforcement, and child protection centers in safeguarding victims. Additionally, you will learn effective interviewing techniques, how cognitive development impacts interviews, and the wide range of medical and advocacy services available to victims. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the knowledge to contribute to a multidisciplinary approach in preventing, investigating, and responding to dependent adult abuse, while minimizing trauma and ensuring positive outcomes for victims. Read more