Forensics Interview - Safe and Sound Child Advocacy Center

Forensic Interviewing

Recognizing that the investigative process can be traumatic for the fragile victim of child abuse, the Forensic Interview program’s multidisciplinary team approach allows agencies to coordinate their expertise, minimizing or eliminating the traumatic impact to the child. At Safe & Sound’s family-friendly facility, child victims (under eighteen years of age) of severe physical or sexual abuse are able to disclose their allegations, telling their own story in their own words.

The forensic interviewer, along with a coordinated investigative team made up of representatives from law enforcement, Children's Protective Services, and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, conducts one non-threatening, fact-finding interview of the alleged child victim. The forensic interviewer talks with the child, gathering facts about the abuse. The interviewer is trained to ask questions that do not confuse the child or lead him or her to say something that is not true. Following the interview, team members meet to review their findings and coordinate their response to protect the victim.

During the interview, a crisis counselor from Shelterhouse talks with the non-offending caregiver, offering counseling referrals as needed. The non-offending caregiver is not permitted to observe the interview.

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