The Process

What is a Forensic Interview?

Conducted in a child-friendly setting by trained professionals, CARE Center provides forensic interviews to children that may be victims of physical and/or sexual abuse and children that have witnessed violence. The forensic interview is conducted by a specially trained forensic interviewer.  All recorded interviews are legally sound and conducted in a manner that is child-focused, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. Only members of the county-specific MDT may observe the interview.

Who Makes up the MDT?

Each county’s MDT consists of members of law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical, and mental health providers.  MDT members view the interview via closed-circuit TV and provide input for follow-up questioning. This approach allows the agencies to share information, realize their respective goals, all while minimizing the number of times the child must be interviewed.

Are Forensic Interviews Successful?

Research has validated the long-held belief that when interactions with children are age-appropriate and provided in a supportive manner, children are more likely to provide accurate and truthful information to investigators, clinicians, and other professionals like forensic interviewers. Recording the interview reduces inconsistent statements and often leads to case settlement which also reduces trauma to children.

What about the Caregivers?

While the forensic interview is in progress, a Family Advocate meets with the non-offending Caregiver. The CAC Family Advocate is a trained professional that helps the family throughout the investigative process. The Family Advocate assesses the child’s and Caregivers’ needs and provides educational resources and offers referrals for counseling to both the child and family.

Caregiver Feedback

CARE Center welcomes your feedback. During the Family Advocate meeting, Caregivers are encouraged to complete an Outcome Measurement Survey (OMS) detailing their CAC experience. This feedback allows CARE Center to spotlight agency strengths and to learn of needed improvements. A follow-up survey is also presented to the Caregiver upon exiting the center.

No Cost

CARE Center is funded by private donations, state and federal grants, and foundation grants.  This support allows CARE Center to provide services at no cost to child-victims, non-offending family members, and MDT partnering agencies.

After the Interview

Immediately following the forensic interview, members of the MDT will often meet with the non-offending Caregiver. This may happen at the center or at an alternate location. Investigators will inform the non-offending Caregiver of what happens next, such as a child’s physical examination (SANE-Sexual Assault Nurse Examination), interviews with additional persons or witnesses, etc.

CARE Center’s Family Advocate will follow-up with the Caregiver concerning the child’s progress in the days and weeks following the forensic interview. The Family Advocate will also facilitate an introduction to the child’s Victim Advocate and other county services providers. These county-specific advocates often initiate county-sponsored program assistance for children and families. Whether it is locating additional resources (food, clothing, housing, etc.) or preparing victims for court, advocates are pillars of support for children and families during their personal journeys to healing.