When a child is allegedly being abused, their first step at the CAC is a forensic interview.

What is a forensic interview?

The forensic interview is generally the first step in most child protection cases and is scheduled by either Child Protective Services or law enforcement after there have been allegations of extreme physical abuse or sexual abuse or if a child has been the witness to a crime.  The forensic interview is conducted by a professional who is trained to interview children and to utilize developmentally appropriate methods to conduct the interview.  Child Protective Services and/or law enforcement rely on this interview to gather pertinent family information, family history, and to “fact find” regarding the allegations which have been made.  This interview is videotaped and conducted one-on-one with the child in a neutral, child friendly room and is monitored via closed circuit television by law enforcement and/or Child Protective Services in a different room.  The DVD recording of the interview is not retained by the Children’s Advocacy Center as it becomes the property of the District Attorney’s Office of Smith County.  The goal of the interview is to obtain information which is a fair and accurate representation of what may have occurred through non-leading and developmentally appropriate conversation.

Common Questions about forensic interviews:

 My child is coming to the CAC for a forensic interview.  What should I tell him/her?    Explain to your child that they are going to a place for children where they can talk to a person that can help them with what has happened.  Do not tell your child that they are going to the center to play or to meet a special friend.  Be truthful, but be brief.  Do not suggest to your child what they are to say and do not coach or rehearse your child ahead of time.  It is also very important that you not offer any bribes or rewards to your child for telling.  Encourage that your child be truthful and honest with the person to whom they are going to speak.

 Can I watch my child’s interview?   Parents and caregivers are not allowed in the interview room or the observation room during the interview.  After the interview law enforcement and/ or Child Protective Services will discuss the interview with you and answer questions that you may have.

 How long does the interview last?  The length of the interview depends on the child and the nature of the allegations and can range from ten minutes to two hours.  The average length of time an interview takes is between forty to sixty minutes.