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Author: Yujiemi Chisholm
Forensics TTA

Virtual Training for Forensic DNA Professionals: Kinship and Parentage Analysis

Developed by the Forensics TTA Program, led by RTI International, in collaboration with Bode Technology with funding provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), this self-paced, web-based training is designed specifically for BJA Forensics Programs grantees. The course was created to address a critical gap in accessible kinship analysis training resources for forensic DNA professionals. While kinship analysis has long been used in parentage and family relationship testing, it holds significant value in forensic casework including missing persons investigations, unidentified human remains cases, sexual assaults, and other violent crimes.
March 2026

New on-demand training resource now available!

The Virtual Training for Forensic DNA Professionals: Kinship and Parentage Analysis is now available! Visit the resource webpage to learn more about this course and how to access it. VIEW COURSE DETAILS
March 2026
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Forensics TTA

Certification Form Quick Tips: Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) services through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program). Under the Formula Coverdell Program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for funds to improve forensic science and ME/C services provided by laboratories operated by the state or units of local government. The Coverdell law requires state applicants to create a plan for forensic science laboratories supported by the Coverdell Program, and then certify the plan. The plan must outline a strategy for how Coverdell Program funds will improve the quality and timeliness of the forensic services provided.
February 2026
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Forensics TTA

Certification Form Quick Tips: Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) services through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program). Under the Formula Coverdell Program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for funds to improve forensic science and ME/C services provided by laboratories operated by the state or units of local government. The Coverdell law requires state applicants to certify that any forensic science laboratory system or ME/C office receiving Coverdell Program funds uses generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures as established by accrediting organizations or appropriate certifying bodies. To meet this requirement, SAAs should demonstrate that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned to those provided by accrediting organizations or appropriate certifying bodies exist and are in use within the forensic science laboratory system or ME/C office.
February 2026
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Forensics TTA

Certification Form Quick Tips: Forensic Science Laboratory System Accreditation

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) services through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program). Under the Formula Coverdell Program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for funds to improve forensic science and ME/C services provided by laboratories operated by the state or units of local government. The Coverdell law requires state applicants to certify that any forensic science laboratory system receiving Coverdell Program funds is either accredited or, if not accredited, will designate a portion of the funds to prepare and apply for accreditation within 2 years of receiving the Coverdell Program funds. Applications requesting funds solely for ME/C offices within the state are not required to submit this certification.
February 2026
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Forensics TTA

Certification Form Quick Tips: Use of Funds for New Facilities

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) services through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program). Under the Formula Coverdell Program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for funds to improve forensic science and ME/C services provided by laboratories operated by the state or units of local government. The Coverdell law requires that each applicant certify that the amount of the grant used for the cost of any new facility constructed as part of a program to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or ME/C services will not exceed certain limitations set forth in the Coverdell law. All applicants are required to submit this certification, even if no funds are proposed to be used for new facilities.
February 2026
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Forensics TTA

Certification Form Quick Tips: External Investigations

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) services through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program). Under the Formula Coverdell Program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for funds to improve forensic science and ME/C services provided by laboratories operated by the state or units of local government. The Coverdell law requires each applicant to certify the existence of a government entity that has an appropriate process in place to conduct independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by individuals that substantially affects the integrity of the forensic results provided. Such individuals include employees or contractors of any forensic laboratory system, ME/C office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility in the state that will receive a portion of the award amount.
February 2026
Forensics TTA

Coverdell Program Certification Form Quick Tips

The Forensics TTA team has developed the following resources to support individuals in preparing certification forms required for inclusion in Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program) applications. These ‘quick tips’ documents are intended to provide an overview of elements required for each certification, including key considerations for both understanding certification criteria and submitting the accompanying certification form. For each certification requirement, interested applicants are encouraged to refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for additional details and the link to the relevant certification template. Additional questions regarding certification and authorization requirements should be directed to your assigned Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Policy and Programs Office representatives.
February 2026
Forensics TTA

DNA Basics: Understanding the Science and Tools Behind DNA Kinship Analysis

This presentation features Michelle Halsing, Assistant Laboratory Director of the Missing Persons DNA Program at the California Department of Justice. It is tailored for non-laboratory criminal justice professionals—including investigators, prosecutors, victim advocates, and program administrators—seeking to strengthen their foundational understanding of forensic DNA testing, with a particular focus on kinship analysis. The presentation offers an overview of the forensic DNA testing process, explains how DNA profiles are searched and compared within the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and outlines the capabilities and limitations of these tools in both investigative and judicial settings. Viewers are also introduced to the fundamental principles of forensic DNA kinship analysis, supported by discussions of real-world case applications, common testing strategies, and key considerations for interpreting laboratory reports. This resource highlights the critical role of kinship analysis in supporting missing persons investigations, unidentified human remains cases, and other complex forensic scenarios.
February 2026