Forensic Interviews

When there are allegations of felony-level abuse or maltreatment, such as sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, or exposure to violent crimes, children deserve a safe and supportive space to be heard. At Kids Hub, forensic interviews provide a child-centered way for children to share their experiences with trained professionals—helping ensure their voices are heard without added trauma.

What is a forensic interview?

A forensic interview is a neutral conversation between a child and a trained professional in response to allegations of abuse and maltreatment, utilizing a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to ensure coordinated care, reduce trauma, and provide support through the investigative process. These interviews are:

  • Developmentally and culturally appropriate

  • Neutral and trauma-informed

  • Conducted using nationally recognized best practices

Interviews are video-recorded and observed live by members of the investigative team—typically including law enforcement and/or child protective services—through secure closed-circuit technology. This minimizes the need for a child to repeat their experiences and supports a more coordinated, efficient investigative process.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Visit

When a child is referred to Kids Hub for a forensic interview, we know families may feel anxious, uncertain, or overwhelmed. Our goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment from the moment you arrive, while keeping your child’s well-being at the center of everything we do.

Your visit will include interaction with several professionals who are here to support you and your child throughout the process—from check-in to follow-up care.

Who You’ll Meet

  • Administrative Assistant: The first person you’ll meet upon arrival, assisting with check-in and making sure you're comfortable as you begin your visit.

  • Family Advocate: A trained professional who will guide you through the process, explain what to expect, and support you and your child before, during, and after your time at the center.

  • Forensic Interviewer: A specially trained staff member who will speak with your child in a neutral and supportive way.

  • Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Members: After your child’s interview, you’ll meet with members of the investigative team, such as law enforcement and child protective services, who are involved in your case.

The Interview Process

The forensic interview is a central part of your visit. Here's what to expect:

  • The forensic interviewer will greet your child in the private family waiting room and walk with them to a separate, child-friendly interview room.

  • The interview is a neutral, non-leading conversation designed to give your child the opportunity to share their experiences in their own words and at their own pace.

  • While the interview is happening, members of the investigative team observe remotely through closed-circuit technology from another room. This approach reduces the number of times your child needs to speak about what happened and helps ensure that the process is both trauma-informed and legally sound.

If you have questions about how you’ll be supported during the visit, or what happens afterward, we encourage you to learn more on our Family and Victim Advocacy page.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There has been a report made to child protective services and/or law enforcement and they are requesting our services.

  • A forensic interview is a neutral, information gathering interaction conducted by a specially trained interviewer. Forensic Interviewers are trained in a Child First protocol that provides your child with a neutral and safe space to share anything they may or may not have experienced and/or witnessed.

  • The forensic interview is video and audio recorded with live observation for child protective services and law enforcement to minimize the number of times a child is interviewed.

  • Yes. Your Family and Victim Advocate will contact you prior to your appointment to assess your needs and to answer any questions you might have.

  • During the interview, the Family Advocate along with child protective services and/or law enforcement will observe the interview through a recording software. Caregivers are not allowed in the observation room to ensure the child’s comfort and integrity of their statement.