What is a forensic interview and what is its purpose?
A forensic interview is conducted at a Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), where a specially trained professional interviews a child who may be a victim of abuse or neglect. They aim to gather information about the child’s experience in a safe and child-friendly environment while minimizing further trauma by limiting the number of times they need to share about their experiences/the event.
Children’s Division and/or Law Enforcement already talked to my child, why does my child have to be interviewed again?
Typically, Children’s Division and law enforcement are conducting cursory interviews, which gathers minimal facts about the child’s experience. Forensic interviewers are specifically trained to conduct age appropriate, non-leading, non-suggestive, fact finding interviews. It can be in your child’s best interest to speak with a forensic interviewer about their experience and to gather as much information as possible for the investigation in a child friendly way and setting while you get support as their caregiver.
Can I be in the room when my child is interviewed? Why am I not able to watch my child’s forensic interview?
Parents or caregivers cannot participate in or observe the forensic interview. This is for a number of reasons.
- It ensures the child feels comfortable and can speak freely.
- The forensic interview is part of an investigation and it is important to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- During the forensic interview you will met with a Family Advocate who will assist you with your needs and questions.
Who is allowed to watch the interview?
Your child’s interview is part of a criminal investigation. Only professionals who work as part of the multidisciplinary team and are directly involved in the child abuse investigation are permitted to observe. Some examples of these professionals are law enforcement, child protective services workers, juvenile officers and prosecutors.
Will I be told what my child says?
After the interview, the investigative team will tell you in general terms what they learned from the interview. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns.
Will my child still have to testify?
It is possible that your child may have to testify if charges are brought against the alleged offender. A forensic interview does not eliminate the possibility of a child having to testify but it can aid in the prosecution of the alleged offender.
How long can I expect to be at the Child Advocacy Center?
Every case is unique, but on average families spend 1 1/2 to 2 hours at the CAC on the day of the appointment(s).
Is there transportation assistance available for my appointment at the Child Advocacy Center?
Yes, we can arrange transportation for your family to and from the appointment. Let our intake department know when scheduling your appointment or inform the family advocate when they call to confirm your appointment if you require transportation assistance.
What should I expect when I come to the center?
A staff member will welcome you and your child into our waiting room. The forensic interviewer and family advocate will meet you and your child in the waiting room to explain what will take place during your visit. Your child will spend time with the forensic interviewer, a CAC staff member specifically trained to conduct age appropriate, non-leading, non-suggestive, fact-finding interviews. While your child is with the interviewer, you will spend time with the family advocate. The advocate’s job is to provide support and answer questions you may have during the investigation. The advocate will assist you in getting your child connected to trauma-focused therapy services and any additional referrals needed for you and/or your family.
What should I tell my child about the Child Advocacy Center?
Children need a safe place to talk about different things that happen to them. It is the CAC interviewer’s job to listen and learn from children to help keep kids safe. Children who visit the CAC do not do so because they did anything wrong and not because they are in trouble. Children visit the CAC for lots of different reasons and talk with interviewers about lots of things.
What are the steps following a forensic interview with the Child Advocacy Center?
It is important to remember that the interview at the CAC is only part of the investigation. After the interview Children's Division and law enforcement may continue their investigation. This may include interviewing other victims, witnesses, and the alleged offender.
Conducting a thorough investigation and gathering all the information can take some time and each case is unique. Your advocate will be there to assist you with each step of the investigation.
In many cases a specialized, no cost, medical exam is recommended for the child to make sure their body is healthy and well. Based on your preferred provider, the appointment will be scheduled at either SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center or St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
The advocate will also assist in scheduling an initial therapy appointment for your child. It is important for your child to talk with a trauma therapist to sort through his/her thoughts and feelings. The advocate will provide you with additional referrals needed for you and/or your family.
How do I help my child through a traumatic event?
- Support your child and let them know that you do not blame them for sharing this information.
- Praise your child for being brave and for telling you what happened.
- Reassure your child that they are loved, accepted, and an important family member.
- Get support for your child and yourself.
- Make sure your child does not have any contact or access to the alleged perpetrator.
Why did my child tell someone else instead of me?
If your child didn’t tell you about the abuse or delayed telling you, this is normal. We know children may not tell anyone or delay in telling anyone for a range of reasons:
- They felt ashamed or embarrassed. The most recent report from The Office of National Statistics shows that this is the most common reason for not reporting, accounting for 53-58%.
- They weren't sure how to talk about it or couldn’t find a space to.
- They haven’t recognized it as abuse. Children are often groomed prior to abuse and may think what is happening is normal.
- They were worried about how other people might respond or what was going to happen.