For children 3 and older, your child’s interview will be recorded to learn from your child what he/she has experienced and determine their needs for services. Forensic Interviews are neutral, fact-finding interviews led by a trained professional and are legally defensible in court.

What is a Forensic Interview?

A forensic interview is a structured conversation with a child intended to elicit detailed information about events that the child may have experienced or witnessed. It takes place in a neutral, child-friendly location designed to help the child feel comfortable. A forensic interview provides the child with an opportunity to tell their story in their own words. It is not an interrogation, but rather a conversation tailored specifically to the child’s age, development level, and any special needs. Please see the attached handout for more information on how to prepare for the Forensic Interview. 

Purposes of the interview

• To obtain information that will either corroborate or refute allegations or suspicions of abuse and neglect
• To obtain information from a child that may be useful in a legal proceeding
• To assess the safety of the child’s living arrangements
• To assess the need for medical treatment and psychological care
• During the interview, investigative partners such as law enforcement and social services can watch a live feed of the interview in a separate observation room. This concept is a key element of the Child Advocacy Center model of care that better ensures the child will not have to endure the trauma of multiple interviews by multiple agencies. Recordings of the interview can later be obtained to aid in court proceedings.

The Our House Tri-County Children's Advocacy Center provides medical exams called CMEs performed by a medical provider at the CAC who is specifically trained in the investigations and treatment of child sexual and physical abuse.

How to Prepare for the CME Exam:

• Tell your child they are going to the CAC for a medical check-up. This visit is similar to a regular, head-to-toe check-up with a medical provider.
• If there are concerns for sexual abuse, we test for sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy via a urine sample. For other concerns, additional lab tests or x-rays may be ordered at the local Health Department to be completed directly after the CME.
• Components of the CME can include a genital exam. We do NOT do an internal or invasive exam. It is different from an adult woman’s exam.
• You do NOT need to talk to your child about the reasons for the appointments. However, you should listen if your child chooses to talk. Help us know what your child has shared with you about the concerns and how they are feeling.
• As experts in this field, we understand that the visit may be stressful. Please tell us of any worries you or your child has so we can do our best to help your child feel more comfortable.

We work closely with child welfare and law enforcement to ensure that all children and families receive needed services. We will provide updates to investigators about your child’s appointment as well as any findings or recommendations following the CME.

The CAC provides access to Comprehensive Clinical Assessments or CCAs to children and caregivers to determine if it is recommended that you seek therapy for your child and/or your family. We will provide you with more information on the day of your child’s appointment. We do not provide mental health therapy at the appointment. However, we do provide crisis intervention and safety planning services should the need arise.

The CAC has a Victim Advocate on staff who will host the child/family while they are at the CAC. They will explain the CAC process, answer questions, address concerns, and work together with the family to develop a safety plan if needed, as well as connecting the family to resources and services, providing information and education, and staying in touch throughout the process.