A forensic interview is a neutral, fact-finding interview that is legally defensible in court. The Dove House Forensic Interviewer is a highly trained professional who interviews children to help authorities and partner agencies determine if they have been sexually abused. In addition to yielding information on whether abuse has occurred, this approach produces evidence that will stand up in court if the investigation leads to criminal prosecution. Forensic interviews are legally sound because they ensure the interviewer’s objectivity, employ non-leading techniques, and emphasize accurate documentation of the interview via vdeo recording.
All child victims who are developmentally capable (typically starting at age 3) are interviewed by the Forensic Interviewer on the Dove House staff. This interview is video recorded. Our Forensic Interviewer has had formal training at “The Childhood Trust” in Cincinnati, Ohio and completes extensive ongoing training each year to keep her skills current. All interviews are observed in our MDT Team Room via closed circuit TV by the assembled MDT (multi-disciplinary team) members involved in each particular case. The MDT has the capability, via walkie-talkie to an earpiece worn by the Interviewer, to communicate with the Interviewer should the need arise during the course of the interview. The purpose of the interview is to gather information that will help determine if a crime has occurred, and if a disclosure is made, then to obtain the true and factual details of alleged crimes, while maintaining the dignity and well being of each child. Although the child must eventually testify in court if the case goes to trial, video recording allows the jury to view the child at his/her age and developmental level at the time of the alleged incident or disclosure, and lends credibility to disclosures made through the forensic process.
