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Forensic Interview Process

Family Support Line Children’s Advocacy Center is a place where children who may be victims of child abuse talk with a trained forensic interviewer about their experiences. The CAC is here to make the child abuse investigation process go as smoothly as possible, both for you and your child. Cases are referred to us by local police, Children and Youth Services, or the District Attorney’s Office. We provide a safe place where children and families can discuss hard things. We are dedicated to prioritizing the needs of the youth and their family. We have an exceptional staff that is equipped to answer all of your questions and support you through the forensic interview process.

Our Goal:

Meet your Interviewers:

â–  Do the best job possible in finding out what happened

â–  Work with the our multidisciplinary team to help the child

â–  Help the family understand the child protective and legal systems

â–  Help make the process as comfortable as possible for you

â–  Help your children and family begin to heal

Jovanni

DCCAC Director

Hannah

Forensic Interviewer

What is a Forensic Interview?

Our CAC is here to make the child abuse investigation process go as smoothly as possible, both for you and your child. Cases are referred to us by local police, Children and Youth Services, or the District Attorney’s Office. The forensic interviewer is a trained professional who is responsible for providing legally defensible forensic interviews of children and adolescents when there are suspicions of abuse or when the child has been a witness to violence. The forensic interviewer will meet with your child alone so that your child can provide a statement about what happened without any outside influences.

What to know/expect before the interview:

Your child will be speaking alone with a trained forensic interviewer. Our interviewers are trained in communicating with children of various developmental and communication levels. The interview will be recorded for preservation reasons and will be observed live by the investigative team through a camera. Families are not permitted to observe the child’s forensic interview for many reasons including to prevent any outside influences from impacting the child’s statements. During the interview, parents and caregivers will meet with a family advocate who will provide an overview of the process, answer any questions, and provide case tracking and referrals if needed.

What Happens After the interview?

We understand the challenges for children and their families and are here to help. In some instances, a medical examination will be recommended. Unless told otherwise, you and your child are free to leave after talking with the investigators and our advocates will follow up with you to offer resources and support services.

Foundation for a typical interview:

  • The Forensic Interviewer will meet your child in the waiting room and take them to the interview room.

 

  • The Forensic Interviewer will explain the interviewing process to your child, including informing your child that they are being recorded and that other professionals are watching the interview in a separate room.

 

  • The Forensic Interviewer will take the time to make certain your child is comfortable and relaxed.

 

  • The Forensic Interviewer will ask your child very general questions about your child based on your child’s response to the questions, the Forensic Interviewer will ask your child additional questions that help your child better describe their experiences.

 

  • At the end of the interview, your child will be allowed to ask the Forensic Interviewer questions. 

 

  • Your child will join you after the interview

About Jovanni Velez

Jovanni works under the direction of the Program Director and conducts Forensic Interviews and works as part of a multi-disciplinary team. She is Spanish speaking and has been trained in National Child Advocacy Center (NCAC) protocol that provides a trauma informed approach in Forensic Interviewing.

About Hannah Fitzgerald

 

Hannah has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from West Chester University. Throughout her time in college, Hannah worked in classrooms and daycare settings through the YMCA non-profit organization. Hannah went on to work as a county caseworker for Delaware County Children and Youth Services where she responded to and assessed reports of child abuse and neglect. She later served as a family advocate at the CAC where she was able to support and advocate for families referred to the Child Advocacy Center.

 

As a family advocate, she provided advocacy services by meeting with non-offending caregivers to provide information on the interview process, referrals for medical and counseling services, and education on the judicial system. She was able to support families through the entire process. Hannah held this position for three years prior to transitioning to her current role as a forensic interviewer.

 

Hannah has years of experience working with children and a passion for social justice. Hannah has a love for animals and Philadelphia sports and likes to spend her time at the beach or with friends.

About Alice Hasbrouck

Alice is co-leader of NOP support group. She has worked with FSL in this role since she was a doctoral level intern in 2005. Alice’s undergraduate degree is in human development, and early childhood education and she works as a school psychologist for Early Intervention.