Prescott House | Child Advocacy Center in Birmingham, AL

Why does my child have to go through this process?

With child victims and witnesses, it is very important to follow a specific protocol and use forensically-sensitive questions when gathering information. Your child will speak one-on-one with a trained Forensic Interviewer. Our Forensic Interviewers are Master’s level counselors who talk to children using a nationally recognized protocol.

What should I tell my child about coming to the interview?

Give your child permission to talk about what they have disclosed. Tell your child that they will be meeting with someone who is a specialist in talking to children. You can select a word that will best relate to your child, i.e. a counselor, an interviewer, a helper, etc. Encourage them to answer all the questions the best they can and to tell the truth.

Will I be in the room with my child or be able to observe the interview?

No, only people who are designated as part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team are permitted to observe forensic interviews while they are being conducted. Also if children believe their parents are watching or may watch at a later time, the accuracy and completeness of their disclosure may be compromised.

When should I tell my child that this will be taking place?

Give your child enough notice that they don’t feel surprised but also don’t create too much time and space for them to be worried or anxious. Usually, a day or two is enough time for them to feel comfortable with this appointment.

What if my child wants to know why they just can’t tell me and let me tell the other people?

Tell your child that you might not know what questions to ask and how to ask them. Sometimes parents ask the kinds of questions that are about feelings instead of the facts, which is why this special interviewer needs to do the asking. Assure them that they are not in trouble with you or with the person with whom they will be talking.