Forensic interviews at SafeSpot are conducted by a forensic interview specialist or a selected group of investigators who have specialized training on how to talk to children. Their job is to gather vital information for an investigation by speaking and listening with compassion, objectivity, and cultural sensitivity.
Questions from Caretakers
WHO WILL BE SPEAKING WITH MY CHILD?
WHERE WILL MY CHILD BE INTERVIEWED?
HOW MANY TIMES WILL MY CHILD BE INTERVIEWED?
INFORMATION FOR CAREGIVERS:
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
WHERE WILL MY CHILD BE INTERVIEWED?
Children are interviewed at SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center, unless certain circumstances require a different interview setting.
At SafeSpot, the child will be interviewed in a child-friendly room, while investigators carefully observe from a separate room via closed-circuit viewing. All forensic interviews at SafeSpot are video/audio recorded to prevent duplicative interviewing of the child and to ensure that investigators receive a complete and accurate account of the child’s statements.
HOW MANY TIMES WILL MY CHILD BE INTERVIEWED?
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 the story’s details.
All three facets of the interview (the interview environment, structure and professional team), provide expert information to professionals tasked with investigations of child crimes, as well as a supportive and appropriate environment for potential child victims to be heard.
INFORMATION FOR CAREGIVERS:
While your child is being interviewed, a Family Advocate or Victim Services Specialist will meet with you to provide support, information regarding your rights and assistance connecting to therapy and any other community resource. Please visit our Family Advocacy information page for more details.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Following the forensic interview, investigators will meet with the child’s caregivers to provide information specific to your individual case. 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.