Forensic Interviews
A Safe Place for Children to be Heard
Helping Children Heal
A forensic interview is a recorded, trauma-informed conversation conducted by a trained forensic interviewer using a standardized protocol to gather a child’s information while reducing contamination and minimizing retraumatization.
Our forensic interviews are conducted in a supportive and non-leading manner by a professional trained in the Forensic Interview model.
The purposes of a forensic interview are:
To obtain information from a child that may be helpful in a criminal investigation
To assess the safety of the child’s living arrangements
To obtain information that will either corroborate or refute allegations or suspicions of abuse and neglect
To inform potential referrals for medical treatment and psychological care based on the information shared
Forensic interviews at the Children’s Advocacy Center are conducted by our forensic interview specialists who have received advanced training on the forensic interviewing of child victims/witnesses. The forensic interviewers routinely participate in peer review to continually develop their skills and attend ongoing professional training.
Law enforcement (and DCS if applicable) observes the forensic interview in real time while it is recorded and preserved, with authorized partners receiving copies, allowing one interview to support the entire investigation.
Any gift makes a difference in the life of a child.
