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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 management and support for the child.
- Protection and Safety: Law enforcement can provide security and ensure the safety of the child during the investigation, while CPS can focus on the child’s welfare and long-term safety.
- 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.
Having law enforcement and CPS on-site at a child advocacy center helps create a comprehensive and supportive environment for addressing child abuse cases.
