Forensic Interviews: Frequently Asked Questions

*What is a Forensic Interview?	*What is involved in the interview process?
*Who Conducts the Interview?	*How long does the interview last?
*Who needs a Forensic Interview?	*Will I be able to observe the interview?
*Who will take part in the interview?	*Will my child still have to testify in court?

Q. What is a forensic Interview?

A Forensic Interview is a non-leading objective interview completed to obtain accurate information from a child. Forensic interviews are conducted with children, adolescents, and handicapped adults who are victims of a crime or a witness to a crime.

Q.  Who conducts the interview?

Interviews are conducted by professionally trained Forensic Interviewers who have experience and knowledge in child development, child abuse and victim trauma issues, and the investigative process. It is our goal to obtain necessary information in a non threatening manner.

Q.  Who needs a Forensic Interview?

A child or teen who has made an allegation of sexual or physical abuse or who has been a witness to a crime needs a Forensic Interview.

Q.  Why is my child interviewed at The Children’s Advocacy Center?

Before the Children’s Advocacy Center was opened, children were often traumatized again by having to endure many interviews by different people.  Today the goal is to avoid further trauma by conducting one quality interview that will be videotaped and observed by the helping agencies.  The Advocacy Center is a child friendly environment where the child can feel safe and comfortable.  It is important to remember that your child is being interviewed, not interrogated.  Your child is the victim and is not in trouble.

Q.  Who will take part in the interview?

Child abuse investigations are conducted through the use of a multidisciplinary team.  This team may include law enforcement, Children’s Services, Juvenile Officers, and Advocacy Center staff.  Only the designated Forensic Interviewer will be in the room with the child.  The team members may observe the interview through closed circuit t.v

Q.  What is involved in the interview process?

Your child will speak one-on-one with the interviewer.  Members of the team will observe from another room. In order to preserve a child’s statement, all interviews of children 2-13 are videotaped.  Sometimes interviews of 13-17 year old victims will also be videotaped.  After the child’s interview, they will return to the waiting room to you.

Q.  How long does the interview take?

The interview can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.  The length of the interview will depend on how much your child has to say.

Q. Will I be able to observe my child’s interview or be with her?

Parents are not allowed to view the interview because of the possible stress it would place on the child and/or parent. You must remember this is an official investigation into a possible crime.  However, after the interview you will be brought into the conference room where the interviewer will speak with you.  You will be able to ask questions of the team and be told what happens next.

Q.  Since my child is being videotaped, will she still have to testify in court?

The videotaped interview does not replace testifying in court.  Remember, the Forensic Interview is to avoid your child having to be interviewed over and over by several different people from different agencies.  Whether or not a child testifies is the decision of the Prosecuting Attorney and the law.  If a child is to testify in court, our counselors and the staff from the Prosecutor’s Office will work with your child to receive the support and understanding of the court process.