Forensic Interviews

At the Advocacy Center, a child-friendly environment is created to help children who may have experienced abuse speak with specially trained professionals in a safe and supportive setting. The center is a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), where children of all ages are interviewed about allegations of child abuse.

When families arrive at the center, they are greeted by a victim advocate who assists with paperwork in the family waiting room, which is equipped with books, toys, and a TV to help children feel comfortable. Afterward, the victim advocate provides a tour of the facility, showing the family the interview room.

The interview room is designed to make children feel at ease during their conversation with a forensic interviewer. This room is equipped with video cameras and microphones that allow the multi-disciplinary team working on the case (which includes professionals from law enforcement, the Department of Human Resources, mental health services, and more) to observe the interview in real time. This process helps ensure that the child's safety and well-being are prioritized while gathering important information for the investigation.

You will be able to talk to an investigative team member. They will tell you the general terms of what was learned in the interview, You will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice your concerns. When the team is finished they will send the reports to the District Attorneys office. The District Attorney will determine the next steps. Your child may go to court to testify. If this happens, The CAC advocate and or victims services officer at the DA’;s office will meet with your child.

Only the non-offending caregiver and the child(ren) being interviewed are required to be present. To protect the confidentiality of other clients and to reduce the risk of spreading illness, the center asks that no other family members or friends attend the appointment.

If you or your child have been sick in the past 24 hours, it is important to call the center at (256) 927-2111 to inform the staff. This allows the staff to reschedule the appointment and ensures the health and safety of everyone involved, including staff, team members, and other clients who visit the center. The goal is to maintain a healthy environment for all.

You might tell your child, “You and I are going to go to the Barrie Center. It is a special place where kids go to talk. The person you will be talking to talks to lots of kids about what happens to them. They need to know everything that you remember so that we can make sure you are safe and okay. It is important that you tell the truth and only talk about what really happened. It is okay for you to talk to them. YOU ARE NOT IN ANY TROUBLE.”

If your child is younger, please do not reference the CAC as being like the doctor’s office. They won’t be getting any shots or medical exams at our office. This comparison can often create additional fear for a young child.

Your child will talk to a Forensic Interviewer. The Interviewer has special training and experience in talking with children about difficult subjects. The Interviewer’s goal is to make your child feel as comfortable as possible while gathering the necessary information for an investigation. Questions are asked in a nonthreatening and non-leading manner. The Interviewer moves at a pace that is comfortable with your child and never forces a child to talk to them. Your child will only be interviewed by the Forensic Interviewer and not other team members.

No, Only those people who are directly involved in the investigation are allowed to observe. This is don’t to reduce the possible stress that can be placed on a child and to provide a neutral setting for the child an investigation. Please bring an emotional support person with you during this time. before and after the interview you will have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns with the CAC staff. If you need support from the CAC staff, it can be arranged.

The investigative team members will determine if your child will need a medical exam. If one is needed, a team member will assist you in contacting the proper medical facility to set up the appointment. You can tell your child, “ We are going to see a doctor who takes care of kids. You will not get any shots. The doctor will not hurt you they will just make sure that your body is okay.”

No, not unless your child brings up the subject and wants to talk about it. In that case, listen to your child without commenting or questioning. Be sure to reassure your child that he/she will be okay. If your child tells you something that upsets or alarms you, contact the CAC or the Department of Human Resources.

Yes. Children may be uncomfortable discussing the abuse with their parents because of guilt or shame. Children dislike seeing their parents upset or angry. Therefore, they may try to protect their parents by not telling them about the abuse. For this reason it is important to give your child an opportunity to talk with a professional. Children may have different needs that must be addessed from the incident to recovery. Allowing your child to talk to a counselor is a positive step towards healing. The CAC staff will discuss this with you.