Hannah Dowd
Dunedin,FL
Summary
Accomplished Child Welfare Professional with over 10 years of expertise in child abuse investigations, forensic interviewing, case management, and training. Recognized as an expert witness with experience in delivering testimony in criminal and dependency courts. Dedicated to continuous professional development, maintaining an active Child Welfare Protective Investigator Certification. Skilled in conducting thorough investigations, forensic interviews, report writing, and delivering comprehensive training sessions. Established peer training programs to enhance team skills and knowledge, with an emphasis on field shadowing and documentation review. Experienced in public speaking and adept at thriving in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. Committed to ensuring strict adherence to legal standards while steadfastly advocating for the well-being of children and families.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
KINSHIP LICENSING SPECIALIST
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
01.2022 - Current
- Managed caseload of Level 1 Licensed Foster Homes across Pasco and Pinellas Counties, ensuring compliance with state standards
- Facilitated initial and re-licensing processes for kinship foster homes, achieving timely completion of Unified Home Studies and licensing packets
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions for new hires, emphasizing field shadowing and documentation review
- Established peer training programs to enhance team skills and knowledge
- Maintained meticulous records, conducted home visits, and coordinated joint responses with DCF and case management agencies
- Facilitated 5-day staffings for child abuse investigations related to licensed foster homes.
AUTO CLAIMS ADJUSTER
AUTO OWNERS INSURANCE COMANY
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Investigated and evaluated auto insurance claims to determine coverage and liability
- Facilitated vehicle damage inspections with appraisers to estimate repair costs
- Collaborated effectively with claimants, policyholders, and third-party representatives to ensure fair and efficient claim resolutions.
CASE COORDINATOR/FORENSIC INTERVIEWER | CHILD PROTECTION
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Received referrals from law enforcement and child protective investigators to assess risk, evaluate service needs, and coordinate forensic services
- Conducted recorded fact-finding forensic interviews with children who were alleged to be victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, child exploitation, exposure to violent crimes, etc
- Provided expert testimony based on forensic interview findings in response to subpoenas
- Facilitated and led multidisciplinary staffings with partnering agencies to coordinate case strategies
- Assisted forensic medical providers during sexual and physical abuse examinations
- Compiled crucial information for DCF and Law Enforcement to support dependency and criminal investigations
- Produced detailed, objective interview reports which include psychosocial assessments, forensic findings, risk factors, protective capacities, and recommendations
- Conducted educational workshops and training sessions for community members, law enforcement, DCF personnel, pediatric medical professionals, and college students
- Trained peers in forensic interview techniques, report writing, and courtroom testimony preparation
- Reviewed and approved colleagues' forensic interview reports for submission as evidence in dependency and criminal court proceedings.
CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR/SENIOR
INVESTIGAGTOR, FLORIDA DCF
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Conducted investigations regarding allegations of child abuse and neglect, ensuring comprehensive assessments and thorough, timely documentation
- Developed and implemented present and impending danger plans, delivering services to families to mitigate risks, promote child welfare, and prevent future maltreatment
- Facilitated emergency placements for children in unsafe home environments, ensuring their immediate safety
- Coordinated essential services and resources to assist families dealing with substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health challenges
- Prepared and presented cases for court hearings, offering testimony and recommendations to safeguard children and determine appropriate placement
- Worked in the high-risk unit; conducted comprehensive investigations of critical and high- profile child abuse cases
- Led the Night Unit as the senior investigator overseeing training, supervision, and mentoring of Child Protective Investigators
- The role of Senior Child Protective Investigator included the responsibility of performing Supervisory tasks as an Acting Supervisor
- Reviewed and approved investigation reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards and departmental policies
- Conducted regular case reviews and provided feedback to investigators to enhance their investigative skills and case management practices
- Developed and implemented training programs for new and existing staff, focusing on best practices in child protective investigations and case management
- Managed caseload assignments, prioritizing cases based on severity and urgency, and ensured timely completion of investigations.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - CRIMINAL JUSTICE & MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
ORLANDO, FL01.2013
Skills
- Investigations
- Forensic Interviewing
- Expert Witness in Court
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Training & Development
- Mentorship
- Report Writing
- Supervision & Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Trauma Informed Care
- Crisis Intervention
- Communication
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Proficient in FSFN
Certification
Certified Child Welfare Protective Investigator (CWCPI)
Accomplishments
- 2019: Featured participant in a fundraising video for the Orlando Health Foundation to support the Child Advocacy Center, highlighting work on a high-profile 2018 child torture case.
- 2020: Interviewed by CNN to provide expert insights on the child abuse trends during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2023: Featured participant in a fundraising video for Suncoast Voices Gala to raise funding for children in foster care.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
KINSHIP LICENSING SPECIALIST
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
01.2022 - Current
AUTO CLAIMS ADJUSTER
AUTO OWNERS INSURANCE COMANY
01.2021 - 01.2022
CASE COORDINATOR/FORENSIC INTERVIEWER | CHILD PROTECTION
01.2016 - 01.2021
CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR/SENIOR
INVESTIGAGTOR, FLORIDA DCF
01.2013 - 01.2016
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - CRIMINAL JUSTICE & MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
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