Mosaic GeorgiaForensic Interviews
A forensic interview is a specialized conversation designed to gather information from a child or…
Child or developmentally-delayed adult who may have witnessed or experienced a crime, typically abuse or neglect
From mosaicgeorgia.org/forensic-interview ↗About this program
developmentally-delayed adult who may have witnessed or experienced a crime, typically abuse or neglect. This type of interview is conducted in a way that is sensitive to the age, development, and well-being of the child, with the aim of minimizing further trauma while also obtaining clear and accurate information that may be used in investigative proceedings.
Goals of a forensic interview include: Gathering information useful for a criminal investigation. Evaluating the child's safety. Confirming or dispelling concerns of abuse or neglect. Determining the need for medical or psychological support.
Forensic interviews are conducted in a manner that puts the child's comfort and safety first. The environment is usually friendly and non-threatening, helping the child feel at ease. While forensic interviews follow a structured protocol to ensure all necessary information is collected, they are also flexible enough to adapt to the individual child's needs and responses. The interviewer maintains a neutral stance, avoiding leading questions that could bias the child's responses.
The interviews are carried out by professionals who have undergone more than 40 hours of specialized training in forensic interviewing techniques with peer review and continuing education. Often, forensic interviews are part of a broader multidisciplinary approach to child abuse investigations, involving collaboration between law enforcement, child protective services, medical professionals, and legal experts to ensure the child's welfare and justice are served.
Following the interview, child protective services or law enforcement will update the parent or guardian on the investigation's next steps. These interviews are a critical part of investigating cases of child abuse, both physical and sexual, often providing essential evidence for criminal proceedings.
Questions
What is a Forensic Interview?
A forensic interview is a structured conversation with a child intended to elicit detailed information about a possible event(s) that a child may have experienced or witnessed.
What is the purpose of a Forensic Interview?
The purposes of a forensic interview are: To obtain information from a child that may be helpful in a criminal investigation; To assess the safety of the child; To obtain information for DFCS and/or Law Enforcement that will either corroborate or refute allegations or suspicions of abuse and neglect; To assess the need for medical treatment and psychological care.
Who can request a Forensic Interview?
Forensic Interviews are only conducted at the request of law enforcement, DFCS, and/or the District Attorney's office.
Who conducts the Forensic Interview?
Forensic Interviews are conducted by trained Forensic Interviewers who have completed at least 40 hours of specialized training on how to interview children. Our trained Forensic Interviewers also participate in monthly national and state peer review meetings to continually develop their skills.
What happens after the Forensic Interview?
After an interview is conducted, DFCS and/or law enforcement will inform you of the next steps in the investigation process.
Details
- Who
- Child or developmentally-delayed adult who may have witnessed or experienced a crime, typically abuse or neglect
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Crisis Intervention & AdvocacyThrough Mosaic Georgia's advocacy services, someone is there for you every step of the way.Children's Advocacy CenterAs a certified Children's Advocacy Center, we are specially trained to care for the youngest of survivors.
Legal ServicesFreeThese services are aimed at addressing the complex issues that may emerge following the disclosure of sexual assault or abuse.