What is a Forensic Interview
A forensic interview is a structured conversation with a child intended to elicit detailed information about a possible event(s) that the child may have experienced or witnessed. The purposes of a forensic interview are:
1. To obtain information from a child that may be helpful in a criminal investigation;
2. To assess the safety of the child’s living arrangements;
3. To obtain information that will either corroborate or refute allegations or suspicions of abuse and neglect;
4. To assess the need for medical treatment and psychological care.
A forensic interview is conducted at KARE when there has been a report to law enforcement or the Department of Health and Human Services that the child may have been a victim of physical or sexual abuse or when a child may have witnessed a violent crime.
Forensic interviews KARE are conducted by our forensic interview specialists or by one of the criminal investigators who have received advanced training on the forensic interviewing of child victims/witnesses. The forensic interviewers routinely participate in peer review to continually develop their skills and attend ongoing professional training.
Forensic interviews at the Child Advocacy Center are recorded on to a digital video disc (DVD) and provided to law enforcement.
What happens when you child comes to KARE for a Forensic Interview?
KARE is a safe, child friendly location for children to come speak with trained interviewers. We know this can be an anxious time for you and your family. If you have questions before your child comes to KARE, please call and ask to talk to the advocate assigned to your child’s case. We would rather you call than worry.
At KARE we work with a team of professionals from law enforcement and the Department of Health and Human Services. When you come to KARE, you will be able to meet the professionals working on your child’s case after the interview and ask them further questions.
When you arrive one of our advocates show your child(ren) around KARE. They will get to see the room where they will be talking and possibly feed our fish. If they have questions or worries, they can ask their advocate anything. Our advocate will discuss the forensic interview process with you and complete a few simple forms.
Will I be able to watch my child’s interview?
No. Only professionals directly involved in the investigation are allowed to observe the interview. This is done to reduce the possible stress that can be placed on a child and to provide a neutral setting for the child and the investigation.
Many of us working at KARE are parents and caregivers just like you. We understand how being in the same room with our child may influence what the child says or doesn’t say. If our child doesn’t answer quickly enough, we may answer for them. Whenever we have made exceptions to the rule, it just doesn’t work. It’s hard for us as moms and dads to sit quietly or not influence the interview with a concerned look or an emotional reaction.
Parents are also not allowed in the observation room during their child’s interview. We have one interview room and one observation room and to ensure confidentiality, only professionals are allowed in the observation room.
All of the interviews at KARE are recorded to minimize the number of times your child will have to talk about what happened. The DVD recording of the interview is turned over to law enforcement as part of evidence in a potential criminal case. These recordings are part of the law enforcement and/or Haywood County Health and Human Services case files and as such are not released to parents or caregivers.
What do I tell my child about coming to the KARE?
You might tell your child:
“We are going to the KARE House. It is a special place where kids go to talk about important stuff. The person you will be talking to talks to lots of kids about what might have happened to them. It’s okay to tell them everything. You are not in any trouble.”
Who will my child talk to?
Your child will be talking to one of our trained forensic interviewers. They have attended basic and advanced training on how to talk to children about difficult subjects. It’s important that any details about the alleged abuse be coming from the child. Our interviewers are trained to not ask suggestive questions and to move at a pace that is comfortable for your child. They never force a child to talk to them.
We also offer extended forensic interviews, which allows the child to come back over several visits to talk to our interviewer. The same questioning strategies are used as in a regular interview, but we recognize that some children need more time to feel safe and comfortable with this environment and with us. So we just slow the whole process down for them, but we’re not asking them the same questions over and over. If you think your child might benefit from this extended model, be sure to let us know.
What will I be doing while my child is talking to someone?
You will have the chance to meet with your child advocate. They want to answer any questions you have. If they don’t know the answer, it is their job to find out. They will listen to your worries and concerns and provide resources to help you through a difficult time. Our advocates are not therapists, but they can listen and get you the help you need. This can also be a time for a parent to find quiet for a brief while in a space that is safe. You let us know what you need most. We will provide waters and snacks and hope that you will be comfortable.
What happens after the interview?
You will be able to talk to members of the investigation team. They will tell you in general terms what they learned from the interview. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and voice your concerns.
Remember, your child’s interview is just the first step in the investigative process. There may be other witnesses that need to be interviewed. There may be physical evidence that needs to be photographed or collected. The alleged offender will be interviewed. Therefore, at this point in the process it’s often difficult to predict what will happen. Your advocate will keep in regular contact to let you know what is happening on the case. If you have questions at any point during the investigation or prosecution of your child’s case, please feel free to contact your advocate.
Parents and children are often worried about whether they will have to testify in court. It’s really way too early to know. If this happens, our advocate will be with you every step of the way and will even provide special court tours and preparation along with the District Attorney’s office to help your child feel more comfortable.
Will my child need counseling?
Some children do and some don’t. Every child is unique in how they cope. Some may not need counseling now, but will need counseling down the road. Maybe you need counseling more than your child to help you cope with everything that has happened. Your advocate will listen and provide referral information. What we do know is that children who are believed and protected from continued abuse are able to do quite well.
It is very important to your child’s recovery that you work with a therapist specifically trained and experienced in trauma and abuse. This is a field with special expertise.
In most instances, it is important to provide your child with an opportunity to talk with a professional. Too often parents just want their child to “forget” about the abuse and “move on.” That’s easier said than done. Counseling can help your child and family through this very difficult time. It’s best to address issues and concerns now, rather than years later. We can make referrals to appropriate therapists for your child and/or you. Just let us know.
A forensic interview is a structured conversation with a child intended to elicit detailed information about a possible event(s) that the child may have experienced or witnessed. The purposes of a forensic interview are:
1. To obtain information from a child that may be helpful in a criminal investigation;
2. To assess the safety of the child’s living arrangements;
3. To obtain information that will either corroborate or refute allegations or suspicions of abuse and neglect;
4. To assess the need for medical treatment and psychological care.
A forensic interview is conducted at KARE when there has been a report to law enforcement or the Department of Health and Human Services that the child may have been a victim of physical or sexual abuse or when a child may have witnessed a violent crime.
Forensic interviews KARE are conducted by our forensic interview specialists or by one of the criminal investigators who have received advanced training on the forensic interviewing of child victims/witnesses. The forensic interviewers routinely participate in peer review to continually develop their skills and attend ongoing professional training.
Forensic interviews at the Child Advocacy Center are recorded on to a digital video disc (DVD) and provided to law enforcement.
What happens when you child comes to KARE for a Forensic Interview?
KARE is a safe, child friendly location for children to come speak with trained interviewers. We know this can be an anxious time for you and your family. If you have questions before your child comes to KARE, please call and ask to talk to the advocate assigned to your child’s case. We would rather you call than worry.
At KARE we work with a team of professionals from law enforcement and the Department of Health and Human Services. When you come to KARE, you will be able to meet the professionals working on your child’s case after the interview and ask them further questions.
When you arrive one of our advocates show your child(ren) around KARE. They will get to see the room where they will be talking and possibly feed our fish. If they have questions or worries, they can ask their advocate anything. Our advocate will discuss the forensic interview process with you and complete a few simple forms.
Will I be able to watch my child’s interview?
No. Only professionals directly involved in the investigation are allowed to observe the interview. This is done to reduce the possible stress that can be placed on a child and to provide a neutral setting for the child and the investigation.
Many of us working at KARE are parents and caregivers just like you. We understand how being in the same room with our child may influence what the child says or doesn’t say. If our child doesn’t answer quickly enough, we may answer for them. Whenever we have made exceptions to the rule, it just doesn’t work. It’s hard for us as moms and dads to sit quietly or not influence the interview with a concerned look or an emotional reaction.
Parents are also not allowed in the observation room during their child’s interview. We have one interview room and one observation room and to ensure confidentiality, only professionals are allowed in the observation room.
All of the interviews at KARE are recorded to minimize the number of times your child will have to talk about what happened. The DVD recording of the interview is turned over to law enforcement as part of evidence in a potential criminal case. These recordings are part of the law enforcement and/or Haywood County Health and Human Services case files and as such are not released to parents or caregivers.
What do I tell my child about coming to the KARE?
You might tell your child:
“We are going to the KARE House. It is a special place where kids go to talk about important stuff. The person you will be talking to talks to lots of kids about what might have happened to them. It’s okay to tell them everything. You are not in any trouble.”
Who will my child talk to?
Your child will be talking to one of our trained forensic interviewers. They have attended basic and advanced training on how to talk to children about difficult subjects. It’s important that any details about the alleged abuse be coming from the child. Our interviewers are trained to not ask suggestive questions and to move at a pace that is comfortable for your child. They never force a child to talk to them.
We also offer extended forensic interviews, which allows the child to come back over several visits to talk to our interviewer. The same questioning strategies are used as in a regular interview, but we recognize that some children need more time to feel safe and comfortable with this environment and with us. So we just slow the whole process down for them, but we’re not asking them the same questions over and over. If you think your child might benefit from this extended model, be sure to let us know.
What will I be doing while my child is talking to someone?
You will have the chance to meet with your child advocate. They want to answer any questions you have. If they don’t know the answer, it is their job to find out. They will listen to your worries and concerns and provide resources to help you through a difficult time. Our advocates are not therapists, but they can listen and get you the help you need. This can also be a time for a parent to find quiet for a brief while in a space that is safe. You let us know what you need most. We will provide waters and snacks and hope that you will be comfortable.
What happens after the interview?
You will be able to talk to members of the investigation team. They will tell you in general terms what they learned from the interview. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and voice your concerns.
Remember, your child’s interview is just the first step in the investigative process. There may be other witnesses that need to be interviewed. There may be physical evidence that needs to be photographed or collected. The alleged offender will be interviewed. Therefore, at this point in the process it’s often difficult to predict what will happen. Your advocate will keep in regular contact to let you know what is happening on the case. If you have questions at any point during the investigation or prosecution of your child’s case, please feel free to contact your advocate.
Parents and children are often worried about whether they will have to testify in court. It’s really way too early to know. If this happens, our advocate will be with you every step of the way and will even provide special court tours and preparation along with the District Attorney’s office to help your child feel more comfortable.
Will my child need counseling?
Some children do and some don’t. Every child is unique in how they cope. Some may not need counseling now, but will need counseling down the road. Maybe you need counseling more than your child to help you cope with everything that has happened. Your advocate will listen and provide referral information. What we do know is that children who are believed and protected from continued abuse are able to do quite well.
It is very important to your child’s recovery that you work with a therapist specifically trained and experienced in trauma and abuse. This is a field with special expertise.
In most instances, it is important to provide your child with an opportunity to talk with a professional. Too often parents just want their child to “forget” about the abuse and “move on.” That’s easier said than done. Counseling can help your child and family through this very difficult time. It’s best to address issues and concerns now, rather than years later. We can make referrals to appropriate therapists for your child and/or you. Just let us know.