The Power of Trauma-Informed Forensic Interviews in Child Protection

About Jackie Block Goldstein: Jackie Block Goldstein, MSW, LSW, is a nationally recognized forensic interviewer and victim specialist with over 20 years of experience in child advocacy, trauma-informed investigation, and victim assistance. She currently works as a private consultant, providing expert training, testimony, and guidance to law enforcement, multidisciplinary teams, and legal professionals nationwide. Previously, she served as a Supervisory Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer with the FBI and a Forensic Interview Specialist and Victim Assistance Specialist with Homeland Security Investigations. Ms. Goldstein holds a Master’s degree in Social Policy and Practice from the University of Pennsylvania and is a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania.

In this episode, Ben, Jennifer, and Jackie Block Goldstein discuss:

• The evolution and purpose of forensic interviewing in child sexual abuse cases
• How trauma-informed, multidisciplinary approaches protect and support victims
• The psychological and emotional dynamics of child sexual abuse disclosure
• The critical role of adults in prevention, response, and advocacy

Key Takeaways:

• Modern forensic interviewing relies on one specially trained, trauma-informed interviewer working within a coordinated multidisciplinary team to protect the child from repeated questioning, reduce emotional harm, and ensure that evidence is gathered in a reliable, neutral way.
• Parents should focus on supporting and calming their child before a forensic interview—avoiding investigative questions or rehearsal—by keeping their language neutral, reassuring them that the interviewers are safe adults, and trusting the process to unfold naturally.
• The disclosure of child sexual abuse is rarely immediate or complete; it unfolds gradually as children balance fear, shame, and trust, which means that delayed or partial disclosures are common and must be met with patience, compassion, and belief.
• Trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches—whether in law, advocacy, or education—are essential to create spaces where victims feel safe and respected, helping them share their experiences without retraumatization or blame. 

"Not talking about it doesn’t make it go away—all it does is allow it to thrive, because we’re not having a conversation about it." — Jackie Block Goldstein

Connect with Jackie Block Goldstein: 

Website: https://traumatrialexperts.com/

Email: [e-mail]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackieblockgoldstein/

Connect with Ben Andreozzi: 

Website: https://www.victimscivilattorneys.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreozziandFoote/videos

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andreozziandfoote/

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