Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 5: Nurturing Growth: Mentorship and supervision in forensic interviewing In the realm of forensic interviewing, mentorship and supervision are not mere luxuries—they are indispensable pillars of growth and development. A mentor’s steady guidance and a supervisor’s watchful eye can make all the difference in developing interviewers. In this episode, we will discuss the possibilities of what mentorship and supervision can look like at your CAC. Through check-ins, constructive feedback, opportunities for self-reflection, and continuous learning opportunities, we acknowledge the significance of these relationships in shaping the future of forensic interviewing.   Episode Transcript Show Notes: In this episode, host Christina Rouse is joined by guests Kelly Bober and Lydia Johnson Grady to discuss the critical role of mentorship and supervision in the field of forensic interviewing. Kelly is the Executive Director of the ChildSafe Center-CAC and Lydia is the Program Manager for MDT Development at SRCAC. Drawing form their extensive experience in the field, they delve into the nuances of these two roles, highlighting the importance of guidance and support for interviewers.  They also share personal stories about their own experiences with mentorship, emphasizing the profound impact it had on their professional development.  The conversation further explores the current state of mentorship and supervision in the field, stressing the need for a balance between productivity and ongoing professional development.   The discussion then shifts to practical aspects of implementing mentorship and supervision in Child Advocacy Centers (CACs).  Lydia and Kelly offer insights on how to create a conducive environment for mentorship, emphasizing the need for dedicated time, purposeful sessions, and mentors who are not only skilled but also enjoy teaching.  They also touch upon the role of peer review in supervision, viewing it as a valuable tool that complements but does not replace mentorship or supervision. They also discuss the challenges of learning from inappropriate sources, such as team members who are not well-versed in the discipline. Christina ends the episode with a powerful quote from J. Loren Norris, noting the importance of seeking guidance in the field of forensic interviewing.  This episode promises to be a deep dive into the nuances of mentorship and supervision, offering valuable insights for both new and experienced professionals in the field. Hit the subscribe button now!  Host:  Christina Rouse Guests:  Kelly Bober  Lydia Johnson Grady    Quote:  “If you cannot see where you are going, ask someone who has been there before.”  -J. Loren Norris    Links:  Contact Host:  Christina Rouse  Connect to Guests:  Lydia Johnson Grady  Kelly Bober    The SRCAC Exchange  SRCAC Facebook  SRCAC LinkedIn  National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC)  ChildSafe Center-CAC  AIM RADAR Tool: Taking AIM: Advanced Interview Mapping for Child Forensic Interviewers  The National Children’s Alliance Salary Survey  The National Children’s Advocacy Center’s Mentoring and Consultation Groups for Child Forensic Interviewers  The National Children’s Advocacy Center’s Consultation Group for Supervisors of Forensic Interviewers Continuing Education    Follow SRCAC on Facebook and LinkedIn for more learning content!