Forensic Interviews

A forensic interview is a structured, youth-friendly interview conducted by a trained professional. The forensic interview is typically the first step in an investigation. By conducting a single, comprehensive interview, we minimize the number of times the youth has to retell their experience. This helps protect the child from unnecessary emotional stress.The goal is to gather factual and reliable information from the youth while minimizing any potential harm or re-traumatization.

The interview will take place in a private, age-appropriate room. The rest of the team observes and records the interview from an adjoining room through a closed-circuit recording. This allows all the team members to hear your child's disclosure and address any investigative and protective concerns at one time. The interview is conducted in a developmentally appropriate and legally sound manner.

The interviewer will ask open-ended questions, avoiding leading or suggestive language. Our goal is to allow the child to share their experience in their own words, without being pressured or influenced. The interview is carefully designed to avoid re-traumatizing the child. The goal is to gather information without causing distress. The interview is confidential, and any information shared is typically only shared with the necessary professionals involved in the investigation (such as law enforcement or child protective services).

Young people can be put at ease by knowing what to expect. Before the interview, it is helpful to inform your child that someone wishes to talk to them about what happened. Encourage them to speak freely. Do not to question your child or tell them what to say. If they want to talk to you, it is okay to listen. Remember to stay calm and just listen. It is important to let your child know that they are not in trouble, and it's important to tell the truth.

You will not be allowed to be with your child or the team during the interview because your presence may be a distraction, may inhibit your child from disclosing, and you may be called as a witness if there is a prosecution.

At the conclusion of the interview, you will have an opportunity to meet with the team to discuss how the investigation will proceed.

A forensic interview is conducted in a careful, structured way to ensure that the youth’s voice is heard without causing further harm. The process prioritizes their safety, comfort, and emotional well-being, while gathering the necessary information for an investigation. While the effects of child sexual abuse can be devastating, with the right interventions, resources, and support, many victims and their families can heal and move toward a healthier future.