What exactly do we do?

 
Today I thought I would share common misconceptions/questions about Child Protect and give you the real deal. ​You can find out more about us by simply visiting our website and clicking on the About Us section.

• Are you child protective services?

          We are not. We work closely with our county Department of Human
          Resources or DHR. In other states the same office is called Child Protective
          Services or CPS. We assist DHR and Law Enforcement in investigating cases
          of alleged child abuse. Child Protect does that by providing a Forensic
          Interview.

• What is a forensic interview?

          A forensic interview is a single session, recorded interview designed to elicit a child’s           unique information when there are concerns of possible abuse or when the child has           witnessed violence against another person.  The forensic interview is conducted in a             supportive and non-leading manner by a professional trained in the NCAC Forensic             Interview model.  Interviews are observed by representatives of the agencies                         involved in the investigation (such as law enforcement and child protective services). 
               Source: http://www.nationalcac.org/intervention/forensic-services.html

• What agencies are involved in investigations?

          This is determined on a case-by-case basis. We work with our local Police and                       Sheriff departments as well as the Department of Human Services. We also partner             with federal or other state agencies when necessary.

• Can I, as a parent or concerned citizen, schedule an interview for a child?

          No. We receive our referrals from Law Enforcement and/or DHR (Department of                   Human Resources). We do not conduct the investigations. We are a resource                         provided to law enforcement and DHR to help aid them in their investigations. One or           both of the agencies must be present when the interviews are conducted. If you                   suspect abuse, please report the suspected abuse to your local Law Enforcement               officials or your county’s DHR office. You are able to anonymously report abuse.

• Can I watch the interview or be there with my child?

          From Child Protect’s inception, there has been a protocol developed and regularly               reviewed to ensure things are done in the best way possible. In an effort to keep the             investigative process as pure as possible we do not allow parents, non-offending                 caregivers or others to watch the interview as it is in process. The DVD recording is               the property of the county’s District Attorney’s office.

• What happens during an interview?

           The child is alone with the forensic interviewer in our interview room. The interview is            recorded and observed via closed circuit television by members of Law                                  Enforcement and/or Department of Human Services. The child is talked to in a non-            threatening child-friendly way.

• Are forensic interviewing and counseling the same?

          Absolutely not. The forensic interview is intended to gather information for                             investigators. As forensic interviewers we are the “kid-talkers”. It is not meant to be a             counseling session but only to talk to the children to gather facts and a statement                 regarding the presented allegations.
 
          Counseling is designed to help a child cope with what they have experienced.                       Counseling utilizes several different theories and techniques to help children cope               and process their experiences. The American Counseling Association defines                         counseling as, a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families,           and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. See             more information here, ACA.
 
 
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