Forensic interviewing is a means of gathering information from a victim or witness for use in a legal setting , such as a court hearing. It is a key component of many child protective services investigations.
What should I expect at a forensic interview?
The forensic interviewer will ask your child questions and be part of the team discussion following the interview. The detective is from the location where the alleged incident occurred. They, along with the prosecutor, will determine if a crime has been committed and what other investigative steps must be taken.
How are forensic interviews different from other types of interviews?
This broad, versatile approach incorporates the use of a variety of interviewing techniques. ... Although it employs some of the same techniques as the social work interview, such as open-ended and forced choice questions, the forensic interview is much more focused .
What are the basic elements of a forensic interview?
There are, however, some basic elements common to most forensic interviews, which usually include phases such as introduction, rapport building, developmental assessment (including learning the child’s names for different body parts), guidelines for the interview, competency assessment (where, among other things, it is ...
Can a forensic interview be used in court?
A forensic interview is most likely to be accepted in court if it is conducted with the following factors in place. An interviewer must understand the research which supports his or her forensic interviewing protocol and be able to articulate this in court.
How accurate are forensic interviews?
The information we do have suggests that less than half (42%) of substantiated child sexual abuse cases—cases likely to have used forensic interviewing—are forwarded for prosecution. “When prosecutions occur, the majority—about 75% in one study—result in convictions.
How long does a forensic interview last?
The length of a Forensic Interview is determined by the needs of the child. The average interview lasts about 30 minutes depending upon the child’s age and developmental abilities. Adolescent interviews generally last longer than 30 minutes.
What happens after a forensic interview?
The Legal System. Steps in the Court Process – After the forensic interview and investigation, the Prosecutor will decide if criminal charges will be filed and if the case should go through the criminal court system. ... This Advocate will work with you throughout the prosecution of your case.
Can a parent refuse a forensic interview?
A lawyer (hired by the parent) also can refuse an interview on a child’s behalf . Children themselves can refuse to be questioned and can also request that a lawyer or a parent be present during any questioning.
What interview technique is used in a child forensic interview?
These include allegation blind interviewing, open-ended questioning , cognitive interview techniques, truth–lie discussions, the Touch Survey, and anatomically detailed dolls.
Can a forensic interviewer tell if a child is lying?
Forensic interviewers are not human lie-detectors , and they aren’t even trying to be – it is their job to believe the child.
When should a forensic interview be done?
3. Addressing the child’s needs and offering support. A forensic interview is conducted at the Child Advocacy Center in your area when there has been a report to law enforcement , the Department of Health and Human Services, or Child Protective Services that a child may have been a victim of abuse or witness to a crime.
Is a child testimony enough to convict someone?
What this means is that in California the testimony of “one witness alone” is sufficient to support a criminal conviction for any offense . ... So long as the court is satisfied that the minor child is old enough to know the difference between the truth and a lie, they “qualify” as a witness in a court of law.
What is a forensic exam for a child?
The exam is like the physical exam your child gets with his/her primary care provider, including height, weight, and blood pressure; listening to the heart and lungs; and looking in the ears, mouth, and eyes. When sexual abuse has been alleged, a genital exam will be needed.
Do cognitive interviews work?
Research involving adults and the use of the cognitive interview have found that there is accuracy in correct recall of details using the CI . ... Therefore, cognitive retrieval is effective in enhancing eyewitness memory retrieval in the police interview.
What degree do you need to be a forensic interviewer?
Preferred to have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or related field . Must complete 40 hours of Forensic Interviewer training and successfully complete written exam.
