It is crucial that the interviewer speak with your child in private. When your child has experienced abuse, it may be hard for them to talk about it in front of you at first. It may cause you frustration if your child tells you about abusive occurrences. It is the duty of the team members to observe, evaluate, and look into the claims. Your child must be the team’s top priority. You are therefore not allowed to see the interview. Nonetheless, you will have access to Child & Family Advocate throughout the interview to discuss any concerns and get answers to any questions.

Kids feel most comfortable when they are aware of what to expect. Our recommendation is that you let your child know that they will be meeting with an adult who is concerned to discuss what happened to them. Tell your child to be honest, but don’t tell them what to say. Inform your child that the person who will be speaking to them has a lot of experience with children and that it is their responsibility to ensure the safety of children. Assure your child that they are not in trouble and that they are not attending this appointment because they have done something wrong.

While the interview takes place, the Child & Family Advocate will be there to support you and your family. It is understandable that waiting for your child could be challenging. Bringing a support person is encouraged.

You will meet with the team to discuss information about your child’s interview and hear the team’s recommendations about the investigation.

It is important to understand that participation in this interview does not mean your child will never have to speak about the abuse again. If the case moves forward toward prosecution, a Prosecuting Attorney and Victim/Witness Advocate will talk with you about the court process. We encourage families and children to speak with experienced mental health providers about their thoughts and feelings about what has happened. The Child & Family Advocate is available to help you with referrals.

Children who have experienced abuse frequently have lower self-esteem. Additionally, your child might experience feeling helpless, anxiety, guilt, rage, and frustration. Other family members, including parents and caregivers, need understanding and support. Keep in mind that good people can have horrible things happen to them. Both you and your child can benefit from professional, research-based counseling at this trying time. Please ask the Child & Family Advocate for a referral if you would want to receive counseling.

Our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a collaborative effort between the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Law Enforcement, Juvenile Office, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to coordinate services for you and your family while your child’s allegation of abuse is under investigation. In order to ensure the safety and protection of children, the law requires that reports of possible abuse of a child be investigated by DCF.

In cases where a crime may have occurred, law enforcement must be notified. The MDT’s primary goal is to reduce the number of times your child will need to talk with different professionals. The MDT is designed to respond to your questions quickly and sensitively during the investigation.

The Child & Family Advocate will be available to you during the interview, however parents are not allowed to sit with the team. The team members must closely monitor, evaluate, and record the interview because it is an investigation. At that moment, they wouldn’t be able to address your concerns or questions. Following the interview, you will get a chance to ask any questions and receive an update from the team. You will receive a resource packet during the interview that contains the names and contact details of all team members in attendance, details on the mental health program, and further resources.