The Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) created an advanced course in the fall of 2011. CAFG recently announced the first Forensic Genealogy Institute. It will be held October 25 through October 27, 2012, in Dallas, Texas, at the Wyndham Dallas Love Field hotel.

Their website states:

“The Forensic Genealogy Institute is not for the casually curious. This intensive course was designed by professional forensic genealogists for working professional genealogists who: have experience with research, analysis, and reporting for paying clients, who are either already engaged in the advanced specialty of forensic genealogy, or wish to acquire sufficient education to engage in the specialty. Forensic genealogy is a demanding, but rewarding business. This institute will provide the tools you need.”

This is an advanced course for professional genealogists, designed by working forensic genealogists. The Forensic Genealogy Institute offers twenty hours of significant hands-on instruction with real-world work examples, resources, sample forms and work materials. The embedded practicum offers actual forensic case studies that will be covered from start to finish. Those who satisfactorily complete the course will receive a Forensic Genealogy Institute Certificate of Completion. The course is limited to 25 enrollees to optimize the learning experience.

Some of the things attendees will be taught are

• Introduction to Forensic Research
• Forensic Research Skills
• Legal and Ethical Considerations
• The Role of the Forensic Genealogist
• Business Aspects

With over forty-five years of combined forensic genealogical experience, instructors for the Forensic Genealogy Institute are practicing professional genealogists with real life experience in the field. The instructors are

• Michael Ramage, J.D., Certified Genealogist
• Kelvin L. Meyers, Forensic Genealogist
• Leslie Brinkley Lawson, Forensic Genealogist
• Dee Dee King, Certified Genealogist, Forensic Genealogist
• Teaching Assistant, Catherine W. Desmarais, M.Ed., Certified Genealogist
• Special Guest Instructors

CAFG also announced one partial scholarship will be reimbursed to a non-CAFG attendee. Two CAFG Mentor Program enrollees will be reimbursed partial scholarships. With this opportunity limited to only 25 enrollees, to optimize the learning experience, those who are interested should make their plans and register soon.

More information about the Forensic Genealogy Institute is available at Forensic Genealogy Institute. From this page you may follow the 123.signup.com link to the Forensic Genealogy Institute registration page.