Child Protective Investigative Teams

The Child Protective Investigative Teams (CPIT) training hub is a central location for accessing tools and information CPIT members need to stay informed, prepared, and up to date with annual training requirements. Team members can explore key resources, view statewide training opportunities, and connect directly to Brightspace, DCS's learning management portal, to complete self-paced online modules and to track training progress.

This unified platform supports transparency, simplifies CPIT participation, and helps strength the readiness and effectiveness of Child Protective Investigative Teams across Tennessee.

About the Law

SB 2225 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37, Chapter 1, relative to child abuse investigations.

This bill requires a child protective team to include a representative from one non-governmental agency specialized in combatting the commercial sexual exploitation of minors, in all cases involving an allegation that a child is a victim of a human trafficking offense. Additionally, all child protective team members must complete 15 hours of training related to severe child abuse and child sexual abuse, provided by the department.

AMENDMENT #1 requires the department of children's services to develop the 15 hours of training required by the bill in consultation with the administrative office of the courts, the state chapter of the child advocacy centers, the Tennessee district attorneys general conference, the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association, and the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police.

Additional information on this legislation can be found on the Tennessee General Assembly's website.

Team Members

Members of CPIT can submit their information using the CPIT Training Assessment form. Information submitted will be used to respond to training needs as well as to create learner accounts in Brightspace, the Department's learning management system. Team members will be able to complete computer-based trainings as well as submit certificates for conferences and other external trainings, which will be reviewed by Statewide Training to determine credit eligibility.

Staff Training Calendar Foster Parent Training Calendar Request a Brightspace Account Brightspace (login required)

Online Training

Below is a comprehensive list of trainings available for CPIT members to complete in Brightspace.

Brightspace accounts will be created using information provided on the CPIT Training Assessment form. Once your learner account is created, an email will be sent from system-noreply@tndcs.brightspace.com with login credentials. Visit https://tndcs.brightspace.com/ to access training once your Brightspace account has been created.

Course Title	Training Hours	Description	Role Recommendation
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Fireside Chat (CHCB3055)	0.50	Child Protective Services Deputy Senior Director, Pierce Beckham, sits down with OCS staff to discuss and answer staff's questions about CSEM cases.	All CPIT Team Members
Combating Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minors (CHCB3056)	1.50	Human trafficking of children, known in TN as Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minors, is a form of child abuse requiring specialized interventions. In this training, learn about reporting, service coordination, and placement policies and procedures.	All CPIT Team Members
Severe Abuse: A Training by Northeast DCS Legal (CHCB5016)	1.00	Severe Abuse Recorded Webinar by NE DCS Legal. This course provides professionals with a clear understanding of the indicators, risks, and impacts of severe child abuse. Participants will learn how to identify warning signs, respond appropriately to disclosures or concerns, and follow mandated reporting requirements.	Legal
DCS Legal: Severe Abuse Charges (CHCB5018)	1.75	DCS Senior Associate Counsel, Sammi Maifair and Retired District Attorney Tom Miner join CPS staff to discuss severe abuse charges. This course provides participants with a focused overview of how severe abuse cases are evaluated, charged, and managed within the legal system. Led by legal professionals, the training outlines key statutes, evidentiary requirements, and prosecutorial considerations associated with severe abuse charges. Learners will gain insight into case documentation, multidisciplinary coordination, victim protection measures, and the roles of various agencies throughout the legal process.	Legal
Recognizing and Responding to Human Trafficking in TN (CHWB1727)	1.50	Natalie Ivey, Executive Director of the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CCHAT) will discuss the prevalence of human trafficking in TN & will address many of the misconceptions about human trafficking	All CPIT Team Members
Safety Planning for Victims of Child Abuse (CHWB5011)	1.50	Enhance and build knowledge regarding the use of and development of safety plans for victims of child abuse including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as neglect.	All CPIT Team Members
What do You do with Evidence? (CHWB5022)	1.50	Enhance and build knowledge regarding the proper recognition, handling and preservation of evidence. Provide disciplines within the multidisciplinary teams to build stronger cases structured around the recognition, handling and preservation of evidence.	All CPIT Team Members
NAS: Before Delivery and Beyond (CHCB3027)	1.25	Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, E. Kyle Cook with East TN Children's Hospital joins DCS State Director of Investigations, Amy Koslick, in an informative discussion on NAS and infant drug screening.	DCS; Medical
Tennessee Violent Juvenile Sex Offenders Registry (CHWB5501)	1.00	In this webinar, the General Counsel of the TN Bureau of Investigaitons, Jeanne Broadwell will provide information about the history, requirements and registration of the TN's Violent Juvenile Sexual Offender Registry	All CPIT Team Members
DCS Talks: Child Sexual Explotation	0.50	DCS Podcaster, Toney Horton provides information to the public about the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minors and how the Department responds.	All CPIT Team Members
DCS Talks: Assessing for CSEM	0.50	In this episode of DCS Talks, Shelby Johnson discusses assessing for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minors. CSEM refers to criminal activities like sex trafficking, pornography, and early marriage.	All CPIT Team Members

Live Training Opportunities

Upcoming live training opportunities can be found by visiting the Staff In-service Training Calendar as well as the Foster Parent Training Calendar.

The titles below fulfill CPIT training requirements. Register for these course by visiting the training calendars and identifying upcoming offerings. Registration links are provided for each event.

Course Title	Training Hours	Description	Role Recommendation
Trauma Bonding and Trafficking Youth (CHDE3206)	1.00	Participants will understand the emotional connection between trafficker/abuser and better understand the impact of familial trafficking. Participants will feel equipped with trauma-informed language and feel confident setting boundaries.	All CPIT Team Members
Drug Trends in Trafficking (CHDE3211)	2.00	Tennessee Counter-Trafficking Alliance delivers this session. It provides child welfare professionals and community partners with an in‑depth overview of emerging dangerous drug trends impacting Tennessee communities. Participants will learn directly from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Dangerous Drug Task Force about the latest intelligence, drug compositions, and trafficking patterns associated with substances such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, synthetic cannabinoids, and other rapidly evolving chemical compounds.	DCS; Legal
Trafficking and specific resources (CDE3209)	2.00	Covers collaborative efforts between TCTA nonprofits, the TBI, and the DCS Human Trafficking Unit. Youth services and the referral process will be reviewed along with trafficking-specific screening questions using a trauma-informed approach.	All CPIT Team Members
Trafficked Youth Needs and Vulnerabilities (CHDE3205)	2.00	Covers the needs of trafficked youth, how to respond using trauma-informed principles, and the importance of establishing safety, trust, and building long-term relationships with trafficked youth. Trauma-informed Care principles will be referenced.	All CPIT Team Members
Medical Neglect and Failure to Thrive (CHWB3186)	1.50		DCS; Medical
Medical Evaluation of Child Abuse and Neglect: Sentinel Injuries, Fractures, and Burns (CHWB3184)	1.50	Medical Evaluation of Child Abuse and Neglect: Sentinel Injuries, Fractures, and Burns	DCS; Medical
Abusive Head Trauma (CHWB3185)	1.50	This course provides child welfare professionals with a foundational understanding of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) and its implications for child safety. Participants will learn to recognize common indicators, understand risk factors, and follow appropriate steps when AHT is suspected. The training emphasizes trauma‑informed practice, accurate documentation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and Tennessee’s child protection protocols.	DCS; Medical
Medical Child Abuse (CHWB3188)	1.50	This course helps child welfare professionals recognize and respond to Medical Child Abuse (MCA), a complex form of maltreatment involving the unnecessary or harmful medical care of a child. Participants will learn common indicators, risk patterns, and documentation essentials to support accurate assessment. The training emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, trauma‑informed engagement with families, and adherence to state protocols to ensure child safety.	DCS; Medical
Pediatric Sexual Abuse (CHWB3187)	1.50	This course provides child welfare professionals with a foundational understanding of how to recognize concerns related to pediatric sexual abuse and respond in a manner that prioritizes child safety and well‑being. Participants will learn common indicators, risk factors, and essential steps for reporting and documentation. The training emphasizes trauma‑informed engagement, collaboration with multidisciplinary partners, and adherence to state protocols.	All CPIT Team Members
Sexual Assault & The Brain: The Neurobiology of Trauma (CHDE3221)	1.50	The physiological components of trauma, including neurobiology and nervous system dysregulation, are the main focus of this training.	All CPIT Team Members

Additional resources coming soon!