Facts about the Investigation

At times you may be asked to wait while your child is being questioned. Being left out of the proceedings can make you feel as if you are not very important to the process or to your child. Please be assured that you are very important. In fact, you may be the key in understanding what had happened. Many interviewers, however, prefer that the parents not be present during the interview because they feel that more accurate information can be obtained if you are not there. In your presence, your child may be unwilling to tell details because he wants to spare you from hearing the details. And sometimes, parents can’t control their emotions, or they may place pressure on the child to tell in a way that can complicate the legal process.

Most interviewers will take the time to make sure your chills id comfortable without you. This means letting the child see you with the interviewer and making sure that your child knows where you will be during the interview. It should be made clear to the child that you are available, if necessary.

The legal process often moves at its own pace, different from your child’s need to heal. Emotional wounds can be reopened by the various proceedings, which take place over the period of one to two years. The court date may be delayed over and over again. You have no control over this. It is best to try to be patient and remember that people are working to gain the best outcome for you and your child. The team approach to these cases keeps the process as simple as possible.