Equipping Safeguarding Professionals to Appropriately Interview Vulnerable Adults and Children

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Department of Social Development and Welfare, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, is pleased to announce the successful completion of Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) training for our social workers, police officers, gender officers, and probation officers. The purpose of this training was to equip safeguarding professionals with the knowledge and skills to conduct ethical, effective, and legally compliant interviews with vulnerable witnesses and victims. This critical training focused on enhancing the protection of both adults and children, equipping professionals with the essential skills needed to conduct effective interviews and gather vital evidence for litigation processes.

The ABE training emphasized the importance of evidence-based practices in our work with vulnerable populations. Participants learned how to create safe and supportive environments that prioritize the well-being of adults and children who may have experienced trauma, abuse, or exploitation. The ability to gather accurate and reliable evidence is crucial for ensuring justice and providing appropriate support to those in need. “Working with vulnerable adults and children requires a high level of sensitivity and expertise,” said Ashley Adams-Forbes, Director at the Department of Social Development and Welfare. “The ABE training aligned with Chapter 2.16 of the Vulnerable Witness Ordinance Revised Edition (2021) and Criminal Procedure Rules (2021) legislations. It provided our professionals who are assigned to working with vulnerable populations with the tools necessary to navigate complex situations, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and respect. This training was not just beneficial; it was essential for effective safeguarding.”

Key components of the ABE training included:

• Understanding Vulnerability so that professionals are better able to identify the unique challenges faced by vulnerable adults and children, and the significance of trauma-informed approaches.
• Effective Interview Techniques which trained professionals on how to conduct interviews that are respectful, non-threatening, and tailored to the specific needs of adults and children.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations, so that professionals understand how to navigate the legal framework surrounding evidence collection while maintaining ethical standards.
• And Collaborative Approaches by promoting inter-agency collaboration to develop a comprehensive support network for vulnerable populations.

The training took place on March 24^th – 26^th, 2025 at Hamilton Foundation Conference Room, and was well-received by participants who expressed appreciation for the valuable insights and skills gained. The training was facilitated by Joseph Phippard from the United Kingdom who has over thirty (30) years of dedicated service to policing vulnerable populations. Joseph Phippard is an accredited PIP (Professionalising Investigation Programme) Level 2 qualified investigator, possessing advanced qualifications in witness and suspect interviewing, including expertise in the ABE process and Tier 5 interview management. He is currently an Associate Trainer with the College of Policing in the UK and has undertaken international roles in supporting the St. Helena Criminal Investigation Department, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to investigations concerning vulnerable persons.

The Honourable Minister Shaun Malcolm, with responsibility for the Department of Social Development and Welfare stated “by continuing to invest in the training and development of professionals who work with vulnerable adults and children, we take a momentous step toward creating safer communities and ensuring that every individual receives the protection and support they deserve. It is vital that we continue to invest in training that empowers those who serve our communities.”

For more information about the Department of Social Development and our programs, please visit our website: www.gov.tc/dsd or email us at infodsd@gov.tc.

Contact numbers:

Providenciales: 1-649-338-4008

Grand Turk: 1-649-338-2684

North & Middle Caicos: 1-649-338-6411/12

South Caicos: 1-649-338-6321

To report a safeguarding matter or concern to this department, kindly see contact information:

MASH: 1-649-338-4013

mash@gov.tc

reportabusetci@gov.tc

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