Forensic interviews play a critical role in child welfare and law enforcement. They’re designed to collect information when child abuse is suspected or when a child has witnessed a violent crime. These interviews are an important first step in determining if allegations are valid and in making sure a child is safe.
Here, we’ll explore the purpose, process, and impact of forensic interviews, drawing on insights from multiple sources. We’ll look at the differences between forensic and social work interviews, why a child-centered approach is so important, and how different disciplines can work together on these cases.
What is forensic interviewing?
A forensic interview is a carefully planned and recorded conversation with a child who may have been the victim of abuse or violence. These interviews are conducted by trained professionals who know how to ask questions in a way that’s supportive, non-leading, and appropriate for the child’s age and developmental level.
The main goal of a forensic interview is to get a reliable and accurate account from the child while making the experience as comfortable and non-traumatizing as possible.
A forensic interview is different from a social work interview. Forensic interviews focus on gathering evidence related to alleged abuse, while social work interviews are broader, including assessment, support, and intervention.
It’s important that the interviewer use open-ended, non-leading questions in the child’s primary language, with an interpreter if needed.
Why are forensic interviews needed?
Forensic interviews play a crucial role in child welfare cases because investigating child abuse presents unique challenges. Children sometimes struggle to describe what happened because they aren’t old enough, have experienced trauma, or feel afraid to speak.
Alleged abusers often deny the abuse, too. A skilled forensic interviewer can gather evidence that supports or disproves the claims.
Perhaps most importantly, forensic interviews reduce the number of times a child has to relive a traumatic event. Having to repeat the story can warp a child’s memory and make them feel even worse.
The forensic interview process: Who, when, and where
Forensic interviews are a critical part of the process when there’s a concern about child abuse or neglect, or when a child has witnessed a violent event.
Who conducts forensic interviews?
It’s important that a specially trained interviewer conducts the interview. Initial interviews may be conducted by Child Protective Services (CPS) workers, but secondary interviews are often conducted by specialists at centers designed to support children and families.
Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) are often the site of these supportive secondary interviews.
When are forensic interviews conducted?
A forensic interview will be scheduled when there’s a concern that a child may have been abused or neglected, or when the child has witnessed violence. These interviews are often the first step in a CPS investigation.
Where are forensic interviews conducted?
Forensic interviews are conducted in a comfortable, neutral, and child-friendly location, like a Child Advocacy Center (CAC). CACs are designed to be safe and supportive environments for children and their families.
Multidisciplinary Investigations and Collaboration
When child welfare agencies conduct investigations, they often work with law enforcement and other agencies. These multidisciplinary teams are more effective.
Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) help these teams work together. They bring together professionals from different fields to streamline the investigation and reduce trauma for the child involved.
Parents and caregivers can also meet the team members and ask them questions about the process.
How do forensic interviews help?
Forensic interviews are critical for safety planning and supporting families. They help investigators understand the child’s medical and psychological needs. This information informs decisions about child placement and services.
Even though forensic interviews are essential, more research is needed on how well they work in court cases.
In Closing
Forensic interviewing is a critical part of protecting children. It provides a way to gather information from children who may have been abused in a structured, sensitive way.
By focusing on the child’s well-being and using evidence-based practices, forensic interviews can help investigators do their jobs better and improve outcomes for kids and their families.