Interviewing Kids: An overview of the field of Child Forensic Interviewing, the training involved and the unique variables present when interviewing children.

TUMAT Takeaways:

• Child forensic interviewing is an investigative interview conducted in a developmentally sensitive, trauma-informed, and legally sound manner within the context of a child abuse investigation.

• Child advocacy centers are nonprofit organizations that serve as a one-stop shop for services related to child abuse investigations, providing a child-friendly and neutral setting for forensic interviews.

• Child forensic interviewers are trained professionals who conduct interviews with children who may have experienced abuse or witnessed a crime, and they work closely with law enforcement and child protective services.

• Techniques like narrative event practice and source monitoring are used to elicit information.

• Interviewers need to be mindful of potential coaching or contamination of the child's narrative and ask appropriate questions to assess credibility.

• Forensic interviews are typically video and audio recorded and are conducted in a private and safe environment to ensure the comfort and well-being of the child.

• Mandated reporting laws vary by jurisdiction, but generally, anyone over the age of 18 is considered a mandated reporter and is legally obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

• Child forensic interviewers gather information for an active criminal investigation and work closely with investigators and prosecutors to ensure the defensibility and reliability of the information obtained.

• Caregivers can contact Child Advocacy Centers for assistance and guidance.

• The forensic interview process is tailored to the child's age and developmental level.

• Interviewers create a safe and supportive environment for children to share their experiences.

• Caregivers should avoid discussing concerns directly with the child and provide accurate information about the interview process.

• The support of non-offending caregivers is crucial in helping children disclose abuse and participate in the investigation.

A little bit about our guest, Kate Myers, MSW:

Kate Myers is a seasoned forensic interviewer with over a decade of experience in sexual and domestic violence. She has conducted over 1,600 forensic interviews for various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security in Miami, FL, and Safe Shores - The DC Children’s Advocacy Center. She has handled cases involving child sexual abuse, violent crime, severe physical abuse and neglect, online child exploitation, human trafficking, and human smuggling, both domestically and internationally. As part of this work, she has testified in civil and criminal court proceedings, as well as provided consultation and training to multidisciplinary teams and other community stakeholders.

Kate holds an MSW from The Catholic University of America and a BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish and a minor in Women & Gender Studies from George Mason University. She is currently the Forensic Interview Program Manager at the Collins Center & Child Advocacy Center in Harrisonburg, VA, where she leads interviews with children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults, addressing cases of abuse and neglect with a victim-centered and trauma-responsive approach. To learn more about the Collins Center CAC, check out their website, here!