Assessing abuse and safety.
A forensic interview may be conducted at the Center after a report of sexual abuse has been made to law enforcement or Children’s Protective Services (CPS).
- Forensic interviewers are trained in the State of Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol.
- Forensic interviews are intended to elicit detailed information about a possible event(s) a child may have experienced.
- Forensic interviews help assess whether a child has been abused, develop a plan for the child’s safety, and lay the groundwork for the criminal prosecution of the abuser.
The interview process is developmentally sensitive, unbiased and truth-seeking to support the fair and accurate decision-making in the criminal justice and child welfare systems.
The process tests any alternative explanation for the allegation(s) in order to allow for a thorough investigation.
On-Site Partners
It’s important for Law Enforcement and Children’s Protective Services (CPS) to be on-site at our Center for several reasons:
- Coordinated Response: Having both law enforcement and CPS on-site allows for a coordinated approach to child sexual abuse cases. This means investigations can be more efficient and collaborative, reducing the stress and trauma for the child.
- Child-Centered Approach: By working together in one location, law enforcement and CPS can prioritize the child’s needs and ensure their well-being is at the forefront of any decisions made during the investigation.
- Streamlined Processes: Having these agencies on-site can streamline processes, such as viewing the child’s interview in real-time, reducing the need for the child to repeat their story multiple times.
- Immediate Support: With both agencies present, any immediate needs the child has, are able to be addressed more quickly.
- Communication and Collaboration: On-site presence allows for better communication and collaboration between law enforcement, CPS, and Center staff, leading to more effective case support for the child.
- Training and Expertise: Law enforcement and CPS bring their expertise in investigations and child welfare to the Center, which can lead to better outcomes for the child and their family.