By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
CASE workers from the Division of Youth Services’ Child Protective Services or CPS, along with representatives from the Department of Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General, and the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, attended an Advanced Forensic Interview Training at the LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort from March 18 to 19, 2026.
The two-day training, aimed at strengthening child protection efforts in the CNMI, was facilitated by the Zero Abuse Project, a nationally recognized organization that provides specialized training to professionals working in child abuse investigations.
The training brought together CPS caseworkers and representatives from DPS, the Attorney General’s Office, and community groups to hone the skills needed to properly conduct forensic interviews with children involved in abuse and neglect cases. It also emphasized conducting interviews in a way that protects children from further trauma while supporting the investigative and legal process.
DYS Administrator Vivian T. Sablan emphasized the importance of continued training for professionals who work directly with children and families.
“Forensic interviewing is one of the most critical parts of a child abuse investigation. It is important that our staff and multidisciplinary response teams stay trained on best practices so that cases are handled correctly and children are protected. We are grateful for the partnership with the Zero Abuse Project and for the continued collaboration among CPS, law enforcement, the Attorney General’s Office, and victim advocates,” she said.
CPS Supervisor Mariah Manglona, noting that forensic interviews are a regular and necessary part of investigations in the CNMI, provided an update on the division’s progress in strengthening child protection efforts.
In fiscal year 2025, Manglona said CPS conducted 55 forensic interviews. So far in fiscal year 2026, the division has already conducted 25 interviews. These figures, she said, underscore the importance of ensuring that DYS staff remain properly trained and certified.
“Every interview must be done carefully, professionally, and in a way that supports both the child and the legal process,” she said.
All CPS caseworkers on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are certified forensic interviewers. DYS began certifying caseworkers in forensic interviewing in 2017, with additional certifications completed in 2019. Recertifications take place approximately every two years to ensure staff remain up to date with current standards and best practices.
Manglona added that ongoing training helps ensure the CNMI continues to meet professional standards used across the child welfare system.
“Even though we are a small community, the cases we handle are serious. We want to make sure we are following the same professional standards as other jurisdictions. Trainings like this help strengthen our response, improve coordination between agencies, and most importantly, help protect the children of the CNMI,” she said.
Manglona added that DYS-CPS will continue to work with partner agencies and national training organizations to ensure that child abuse investigations in the Commonwealth are conducted with professionalism, care, and a focus on the safety and well-being of every child.
For more information or to make a report, contact the Division of Youth Services–Child Protective Services at (670) 237-1005 to 1014 or (670) 285-2780/2781. For emergencies, call 911.
The public may also visit dys.gov.mp or follow DCCA DYS on Facebook and @dyscnmi on Instagram.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
