What Lives in the Dark: Drug Endangerment and the Forensic Interview

About

Understanding the full experience of a drug-endangered child is critical to ensuring no detail goes unseen. Co-facilitated by forensic interviewers and drug experts, this session explores what children may witness during drug exposure and endangerment. Attendees will learn to identify common drug types, recognize signs of exposure through a child’s perspective, and apply effective screening and interviewing techniques. Together, this multidisciplinary team—spanning child advocacy, law enforcement, and clinical services—offers practical tools to better identify and respond to drug endangerment in children.

Presenters

Samantha Nauman, MSW, is a forensic interviewer and statewide trainer with over 1,200 interviews conducted. She serves as the Forensic Interview Program Manager for Lakeshore Regional CAC. 

Jacqueline Gremler, MS, CSW, is a forensic interviewer with over 13 years of experience and more than 2,300 interviews conducted. She provides expert testimony, team coordination, and training at Children’s Wisconsin – Child Advocacy Center of North Central Wisconsin.

Lt. Sarah Blodgett is a 17-year law enforcement veteran and current Criminal Investigation Division Lieutenant at Sheboygan Police Department. She has led specialized teams and drug investigations and has been nationally recognized for her leadership and service.

Sgt. Michael Thielke is a 14-year police officer and former DEA Task Force Officer with over 3 years of experience in drug investigations. He currently serves as a day shift supervisor at Sheboygan Police Department.

Course Materials

The webinar recording can be accessed at the top of the page. Additional materials are linked below.

Presentation Slides