About RADAR
RADAR v 1.0 was first introduced as a child forensic interview model in 2009. RADAR has undergone a number of subsequent revisions based on clinical experience and updated research findings.
The RADAR interview is now a nationally recognized model, and RADAR interview training meets accreditation standards for Forensic Interview training by the National Children's Alliance.
In addition to the RADAR model for children age 5 and above, the RADAR development team has subsequently created the RADAR JR model for preschool children, and most recently the FirstCall Initial Interview Model for first responders. Both RADAR JR and FirstCall draw heavily on RADAR structure and language to promote ease of learning and use.
The RADAR development team represents over 80 years of clinical experience.
Developers / Faculty
Mark D. Everson, PhD is Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He directs the UNC Program on Childhood Trauma and Maltreatment. His specialty is forensic evaluation in cases of suspected child maltreatment.
Lt. Chris Ragsdale, USN was one of the original authors and trainers of the RADAR model along with Dr. Everson. Lt. Ragsdale currently serves in the Navy.
Scott Snider, LCSW is the Clinical Coordinator of the Duke Child Abuse and Neglect Medical Evaluation Clinic. He has conducted diagnostic interviews as part of children’s medical evaluations for suspected abuse for over 19 years.
Scott Rodriguez is a retired sworn Law Enforcement at the Dare County Sheriff’s Office. Scott worked as a criminal investigator and conducted child forensic interviews. He continues to work as child interviewer and trainer for the RADAR models. Scott also conducts forensic interviews at the New Orleans Child Advocacy Center and SAFEchild Advocacy Center.
Faculty / Moderators
Paige Gilliland is the Senior Forensic Interviewer at AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center in Jackson County. Paige has been interviewing children for eight years and serves as a faculty moderator on the RADAR training team.
Kate Homan, MS is a Senior Consultant for Modell Consulting Group, LLC, where she develops and teaches multiple trainings on interviewing children and adults with disabilities. Kate has spent over 6 years interviewing children who have experienced abuse and trauma serving as the Lead Forensic Interviewer at the New Orleans Children’s Advocacy Center and Contract Forensic Interviewer at Children’s Advocacy Center Hope House.
Julie Ozier, LCSW, has more than 20 years’ experience working with children and families when there are concerns for maltreatment or trauma. She currently oversees the Forensic Interviewing and Trauma Therapy services at The Carousel Center, an accredited Child Advocacy Center in NC. She has forensically interviewed more than 1,000 children and also provides evidence-based trauma treatment to children.
Maria Isabella Pontoriero, New Orleans Child Advocacy Center
Acknowledgements:
The development team wishes to acknowledge Nancy Berson as a contributor and trainer for RADAR JR.