Frequently Asked Questions

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The goal of a forensic interview is to gather important information from children in a neutral, non-leading, developmentally sensitive, and legally defensible manner. 

The forensic interview process allows partner agencies to observe the interview as it is being conducted, allowing for a collaborative team approach to listening to a child’s disclosure and therefore protecting the integrity of the information gathered. This approach allows investigative parties to thoroughly assess the child’s safety and possible criminal offenses that may have been committed. The forensic interview is often a critical part of not only the initial investigation but also the criminal prosecution at trial. CAC Forensic Interviewers are often called upon at trail to provide both fact and expert witness testimony to aid in successful prosecution of offenders.

A forensic medical exam is sometimes referred to as a sexual assault exam. These examinations are conducted by medical professionals trained in evidence collection, documentation, and preservation. The forensic medical examiner, or SANE Nurse, assesses for injury and other physical evidence through a thorough exam. Any sign of injury is photographed, documented, and the patient may be referred for treatment. Any other forms of physical evidence are photographed, documented, collected, and released to law enforcement. Testing for sexually transmitted diseases is also provided. Forensic Medical Exams are conducted at The Treehouse in a private, comfortable setting suitable for children and adults. If a patient has other significant medical issues or concerns, an exam may be performed at an alternate medical facility.

No. Only professionals directly involved with your child’s case will view the forensic interview, and/or judicial personnel should a trial take place later. This maintains a truly child-safe element of privacy in the interviewing room, often resulting in less stress or strain on the child. Additionally, parental/guardian presence can sometimes influence the way a child does or does not disclose about an event. Having the child interview conducted privately with the FI is standard, research-based protocol. 

If your child comes to Oak House, it can be helpful to give them a sense of what to expect. A balance of child-friendly information can reduce potential nerves and anxieties. We recommend something informative and simple, like:

If your child has a scheduled Forensic Interview:

“Tomorrow we will visit Oak House. It’s a place just for kids, where really nice people work to keep kids safe and healthy. You will get to hang out in a playroom with toys, then talk to a special grown up.”

If your child also has a scheduled Medical Exam:

“After your talk is finished, a kid’s nurse will help check your body to make sure everything’s okay, and then we will be all done.”

If your child is especially inquisitive or interested, here are several more child-friendly points to share freely with her/him:

“The grown-ups at Oak House are very kid-friendly and really like helping kids and teens every single day”

“Hundreds and hundreds of kids and teens have already come to Oak House to talk to the friendly, safe grown-ups and kid’s nurses”

“Oak House is a very safe place for kids to talk about anything, even talking about secrets is okay here”

“Fun snacks and drinks will be offered while you wait for (unless otherwise restricted)”

“There are toys, games, books, crayons, markers, cars, dolls, coloring pages and more kids are allowed to play with”

“Every child who comes to Oak House may receive a stuffed animal at the end of the visit”