A forensic interview is the most effective method of obtaining information from a child when there is a suspicion that the child has been subjected to physical or sexual abuse or has seen a violent incident. A forensic interview is an impartial, non-leading, developmentally and age-appropriate procedure that helps prevent the child from experiencing more trauma. The goal of the interview is to create a safe atmosphere in which the kid may talk about issues that are important to them.

Unless a child is not verbal, their involvement with NCMCAC will begin with this interview. The forensic interview will be conducted by a staff person who is trained in forensics, child development, the Child First protocol and linguistics and takes place in our child-friendly interview room. The interview room contains a chair for the forensic interviewer and a couch for the child as well as weighted stuffed animals and coloring books so that the child can draw during their discussion if needed.

The entire investigating team will watch the interview on closed-circuit television in a different room after it has been digitally recorded by a wall-mounted camera and a ceiling-mounted camera. By working together, all participants get the same knowledge so they may start working for the child. Both NCMCAC and the people investigating the case have access to a copy of the interview.