Forgotten Victims: The Forensic Interview

Episode 35 / The Importance of Working on a MDT and Collaborating with Adult Protective Services featuring Tim Grant

In this episode, Scott and Staci are joined by Sergeant Timothy F. X. Grant about the importance of working on a multi disciplinary team and collaborating with adult protective services. From his perspective in the field, Sergeant Grant discusses how multidisciplinary teamwork strengthens investigations, improves outcomes for vulnerable adults, and bridges the gap between protection and prosecution.Sergeant Timothy F. X. Grant is a retired 36-year veteran of law enforcement, currently working as a post retiree with the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. For the past 23 years Sergeant Grant had been assigned to the State Police Detective Unit (SPDU) attached to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) and was the Unit Supervisor for 11 years. Sergeant Grant oversaw the Troopers assigned to the SPDU/DPPC and reviewed DPPC’s intake reports for criminal activity and investigated crimes committed against persons with disabilities throughout the Commonwealth. He worked collaboratively with district attorneys, municipal police, adult protective service investigators, medical personnel, agencies providing services to persons with disabilities and others to ensure persons with disabilities received the same protections and rights as the public at large. Sergeant Grant has participated in the development of national and state training videos and training curricula. He has presented locally, statewide and nationally on issues relating to crimes committed against persons with disabilities and the role of law enforcement.

Episode 34 / MCG Podcast Episode 34- The Role of the Ombudsman in APS featuring Teresa Teeple

In this episode, Staci Whitney, LMSW, is joined by Teresa Teeple, the Tennessee State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Teresa brings her deep expertise and experience to address common misunderstandings about what an Ombudsman does. From advocating for residents’ rights to navigating complex long-term care systems, Teresa sheds light on this vital role. This episode highlights the importance of advocacy in long-term care settings and the essential role Ombudsman play in being a voice for residents.Teresa Teeple has been the Tennessee State Long-Term Care Ombudsman since 2022. In this role, she leads a team of 19 district ombudsman staff who address issues and complaints for residents of roughly 700 long-term care facilities, accounting for around 60,000 beds in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and group homes. She also works to ensure long-term care residents' rights are protected by influencing policies and procedures that may improve their quality of life and care at the local, state, and national levels. Teresa’s entire career has been in aging services, beginning as a local ombudsman and, subsequently, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in Arizona. She then led a team of care managers who worked with older adults and people with disabilities in Rhode Island. Prior to assuming her current role in Tennessee, Teresa oversaw the Ohio Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s advocacy efforts for people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. She holds Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration degrees from The State University of New York Binghamton and a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of North Carolina Asheville.

Episode 33 / Facilitated Communication

What is Facilitated Communication? In this episode, Scott and Staci unpack how this method—often described as assisted typing for individuals with disabilities—has sparked debate in clinical and legal settings.CEO, Scott Modell, Ph.D. and Senior Director, Staci Whitney, LMSW, explore how this method is intended to support communication, but the lack of reliable data prove its ineffectiveness. They explore why it should not be used during forensic interviews and what professionals need to know.

Episode 32 / Dispelling Myths About Autism in Forensic Interviews

In this episode, Scott and Staci dive into the misconceptions surrounding autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—particularly as they relate to emotional expression and perception during forensic interviews and investigations.CEO, Scott Modell, Ph.D. and Senior Director, Staci Whitney, LMSW explore how traditional assumptions can lead investigators to misread emotional cues or dismiss credible disclosures from individuals with autism. They emphasize the importance of understanding neurodiversity, adapting interview techniques, and avoiding judgment based on affect alone.

Episode 31 / Disability Advocacy with Megan Young

In this episode, Staci Whitney, LMSW is joined by disability advocate, Megan Young. Megan shares her lived experiences as a woman with a disability and the incredible advocacy work she is doing at Project Everlast in Nebraska. Project Everlast is a statewide, youth-led initiative committed to providing resources, connections and support to young adults without family support. Their goal is to empower young adults to build successful lives as independent adults.Megan Young is a 25-year-old disability advocate from Nebraska. She found her passion in sharing her voice and her lived experiences with a disability in different areas of Nebraska to help educate and improve the gaps in all parts of the system.