What to expect at SafeSpot!
SafeSpot is a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC); a child-friendly setting for potential victims of abuse to talk about what happened. We begin with a forensic interview to assess safety and facilitate the multi-disciplinary team’s (MDT) investigation. Through our Family Advocacy program, we ensure children, and their caregivers are referred to appropriate resources, regardless of a crime taking place or not.
During your visit to SafeSpot your child will be interviewed in a child-friendly room with a specially trained forensic interviewer. These interviewers ask neutral, fact-finding questions in developmental and culturally appropriate manners. That interview will also be recorded for investigative purposes to prevent duplicative interviewing.
While your child is being interviewed, a Family Advocate will meet with you to provide support, information regarding your rights, and assistance connecting to therapy and/or any other community resources. You can visit our Family Advocacy information page for more details.
Children seem to be put at ease by knowing what to expect. It is helpful to inform your child that someone will be talking with them about what was reported. You can reassure your child, and give them permission to talk freely; however, it is equally important not to rehearse with your child or tell your child what to say.
Most children are only scheduled for one interview appointment. However, some children may be scheduled for a multi-session interview or for follow-up interviews depending on the individual child’s special needs or accommodations. When a child is unable or unwilling to provide information regarding the alleged abuse or crime, other interventions to assess the child’s experience and safety are conducted. The one-time interview greatly reduces further trauma within each child and preserves their statements.
It is important for the interviewer to talk with your child alone. If any abuse has happened, it might initially be very difficult for a child to talk about this in front of a parent or caregiver. The team members have the responsibility of observing, assessing, and investigating the allegations when a disclosure comes up. The investigative team’s role is the focus on your child, but our advocacy team will ensure you are supported during the interview.
If there are any concerns or your child wishes to speak to you during the interview, the interviewer will take a break and come inform you.
After the forensic interview, investigators will meet with the child’s caregivers to provide information specific to your individual case. Only those investigating the allegations are privy to the interview recording or any information concerning your case. All of our team members and staff ensure your information stays private and confidential. Although the assigned investigators will be your primary contact for information, you are always welcome to contact SafeSpot CAC at any time in the future for any questions or need for assistance.