Investigation of potential child abuse investigations are especially complex and challenging. Developing the ability to identify signs, engaging with youth, families and other involved parties to understand exactly what occurred, requires a deep knowledge of a range of injuries and their causes. Uncovering and documenting evidence is critical to prosecuting cases and protecting children from future abuse. Join Detective Jen Hillgoth in a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and best practices in the field of child abuse investigation and response.

Course Objectives

In this course you will learn:

  • How to recognize the more subtle signs of potential child abuse

  • Examining suspicious bruises, burns, fractures and head trauma (ABT) to identify whether cause is likely to be accidental or caused by some form of abuse

  • Assessing whether a child needs to be seen by a medical professional

  • Documenting injuries and observations from your investigation.

Course Curriculum

    1. Child Maltreatment Investigations

    2. Physical Abuse Overview

    1. Burns

    2. Bruising

    1. Fractures

    2. Abusive Head Trauma (ABT)

    3. Death

    1. Conclusion

    2. Additional Resources for Downloading

About this course

  • 9 lessons
  • Course type:
  • Time to complete:

Detective Det. Hillgoth

With a wealth of experience in law enforcement and a profound dedication to protecting children, Aurora Police Detective Jennifer Hillgoth is a highly respected figure in the Chicagoland area and beyond. Holding a Master's degree in Children’s Law and Policy from Loyola Chicago, School of Law, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Aurora University, Jennifer's expertise spans various facets of child welfare and criminal justice. Since joining the Aurora Police Department in 2004, Jennifer's career has been marked by remarkable achievements, including her pivotal role as a detective specializing in crimes against children where she also received training for conducting child forensic interviews. Her tireless efforts have led to establishing supportive systems for child abuse victims and she is always available to assist various law enforcement agencies throughout the state via training or investigative consult. Jennifer's impact extends beyond law enforcement as she actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and advocates for children's rights. In 2023, she became sworn as C.A.S.A., a trained CASA Facilitator and began teaching Forensic Child Abuse at Aurora University. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, has received numerous awards and accolades and is a well-known advocate for children in her area.

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