Forensic Interviews
CASGSL provides forensic interviews of children who have allegedly been sexually abused, physically abused or witnessed a violent crime. The goal of the interview is to obtain a single, objective, clear picture of the details of the alleged abuse – who abused the child, when and how often, how did it occur and where did it occur. At the same time, the child is reassured that she is safe and that the abuse was not her fault.
CASGSL receives referrals for forensic interviews from the Children’s Division/Missouri Department of Social Services and/or local law enforcement jurisdictions. In these cases, a call to the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, or a police report, has been made, indicating that it is suspected that a child has been abused. The scheduling of the interview is coordinated through CASGSL. A team of individuals from law enforcement, child protection, the prosecutor’s office, the juvenile court and CASGSL coordinates the interview process.
During the interview, the child sits in a comfortable, child-friendly room and is interviewed by a trained CASGSL staff member regarding the facts of the sexual abuse. The interviewer is careful to establish the child’s credibility and to avoid leading questions. Other members of the team can observe via a one-way mirror and can interact with the interviewer discreetly if necessary.
Following the interview, the team meets with the parent to decide the next steps
. The child has completed a difficult process with a minimum of stress and receives a new teddy bear to help her feel more safe and secure.
CASGSL also provides Victim Advocacy Services for the families of children who receive forensic interviews. Our Victim Advocate helps these families in crisis interact with the multiple systems they encounter. Victim Advocacy services may include accompanying children and families to physical examination appointments, appointments with law enforcement and/or prosecution agencies and other appropriate agencies; providing court accompaniment and court preparation services; providing referrals to necessary services; contacting parents/guardians regularly via phone call to update them on case status, provide referrals and answer questions; and consulting regularly with multi-disciplinary team of child protection, law enforcement, family court and prosecuting/circuit attorney’s offices professionals to ensure follow-up on cases.