The Forensic Interview and Family Advocacy

What to Expect

Before the Appointment

• It’s helpful for your child to know about the appointment and what to expect. You can let them know that they will be meeting with someone whose job it is to listen to kids/teens and that you will be in a different room talking with someone whose job it is to listen to adults.
• Give them permission to speak with the interviewer about anything they want before you arrive and tell them it is a safe place for kids/teens.
• The family advocate will call you the day before the appointment to confirm the date/time of the interview and check to see if you have any questions.

When You Arrive

• Ring the doorbell at the Center and a staff member will ask you the reason for your visit. Let them know you are here for a forensic interview and they will welcome you 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.

Forensic Interview

• Your child will spend time with the forensic interviewer, a CASGSL staff member specifically trained to conduct age appropriate, non-leading, non-suggestive, fact-finding interviews.
• The purpose of the interview is for the interviewer to listen and learn from your child about their experiences.

Child and Family Advocacy

Family Advocacy

• 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 is a Child & Family Advocate?

Advocates at CASGSL help ensure that children and families receive the culturally sensitive support, education and resources they need to overcome the trauma of abuse. Crisis assessment and intervention, advocacy, and support services are provided to the involved caregivers in order to help identify each families’ unique needs, reduce fear and anxiety and to expedite access to appropriate services. Families can be assisted through the various phases of crisis management with problem-solving, access to critical treatment and other services, ongoing psychoeducation, information and support.

What do advocacy services with Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis look like?

Children are referred to CASGSL by a member of the investigative MDT. Victim support and advocacy services begin when the intake coordinator and/or advocate makes initial contact with the involved caregiver to facilitate introductions, discuss services provided at CASGSL and to schedule the forensic interview. Once, arriving at CASGSL on day of the forensic interview; your family advocate will provide active listening while supporting the caregiver as they discuss their concerns and feelings related to the case. Advocates prepare the caregiver for any potential blocks or barriers which the child might have during the interview; assess the family’s level of coping with the crisis and needs as well as identify resources and interventions to support the child and family. Advocates provide psychoeducation on the dynamics and effects of childhood trauma and depending on the needs of the family, advocates may also provide psychoeducation on appropriate behavior related to sex and sexuality in children, the grooming process, information about understanding the process of disclosure, prevention tips, how the MDT and court system works and information about victim’s rights and crime victim’s compensation.

Other Frequently Asked Questions