For information on adult and child medical exams, learn more about forensic medical exams.
Child forensic interviews help kids speak openly about a crime
Forensic interviews provide vital evidence and information after a crime
Child victims of abuse, sexual assault, and neglect are the most common case types ASSIST works with during forensic interviews. Forensic interviews are specially tailored to ask only neutral questions that never lead kids. Held in a comfy interview room, discreet cameras and microphones tucked into the walls give kids the freedom to share what happened to them without the anxiety or fear of being recorded.
During the interview, a trained interviewer will ask kids questions like, “So tell me what happened,” and “Talk to me more about the person you said did this…” All so kids can speak openly and honestly.
The MDT is here to help, all in one place at one time
Meanwhile, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of law enforcement and DCS caseworkers, as well as medical and mental health professionals from ASSIST are watching the interview on a closed-circuit TV.
- Kids never see more than one or two people during the course of the interview.
- Kids only have to share their experiences once, reducing risks of re-traumatizing them from repetition.
- A secure recording of the interview is handed to law enforcement for evidence and to prosecutors if they bring charges against a perpetrator.
After the forensic interview, we’re ready to ASSIST
Forensic interview cases are scheduled at our office by law enforcement or Indiana DCS. In the most severe and urgent situations, children can receive immediate forensic interviews whenever law enforcement or Indiana DCS caseworkers request them.
Most interviews take about 90 minutes, but can be shorter or longer depending on the age of the child, how much they have to share, and their comfort level. We’re here for as long as it takes.
After the forensic interview, our Victim Advocacy team helps non-offending caregivers and families with the next steps. ASSIST is also ready to provide forensic medical exams, assistance with protective orders, counseling, and even therapy and counseling for adult caregivers after informed reports of child abuse.
FAQs about Child Forensic Interviews
No, interviews are held in strict compliance with evidence-based models. Only the forensic interviewer, the child, the prosecuting attorneys, and investigators will see the interview as it happens.
You should avoid talking to your child about the interview before or after it happens. The goal is to reduce the amount of time a child spends remembering and talking about the informed crime. Talking about the interview can also hinder the successful prosecution of a perpetrator.
Forensic interviews are scheduled at the request of law enforcement or the Indiana Department of Child Services where reasonable suspicion exists that a child is either witness to or the victim of a crime. Forensic interviews aid in the investigation of these crimes and supports the child’s physical and mental wellbeing. ASSIST provides forensic interviews from trained interviewers for kids and families around Johnson County.
Your child will have many questions about ASSIST, our Child Advocacy Center, and what’s going to happen. Just tell them “We’re going to ASSIST for a little help” or “The CAC just needs to talk about a few things” before coming if they ask. When they get here, our Child Advocates and Forensic Interviewers can better answer specific questions without compromising safety, mental health, or the investigation.
Most kids take about an hour, but every case is different. Sometimes it can be done sooner, sometimes it can take several hours. On average, we tell people to plan for at least two hours.
Nothing. Forensic interviews are provided at no cost and covered by federal and local grants. Advocacy services are also completely covered for every family, regardless of income, insurance, or other status. ASSIST also provides on-site medical exams and counseling, also available at no cost to families.
