Behind the Interview: Celebrating Forensic Interviewers

Interview and article by Lauren Street

This week at Kids Hub, and across the nation, we celebrated National Forensic Interviewer Appreciation Week. To recognize the incredible work our forensic interviewers do, I sat down with them to learn more about the interview process, what inspires them, and what it means to serve children as they share their experiences.

As I gathered their responses and reflected on our conversations, one theme surfaced again and again: every child deserves to be heard with compassion, dignity, and respect. Whether discussing their role, the interview process, or supporting families, each response reflected that shared commitment.

Can you briefly introduce your role as a forensic interviewer and share what led you to this work?

Angela:

"As a forensic interviewer, I talk with and listen to children using the ChildFirst® Protocol. I've always had a passion for serving children—especially at-risk youth—and this opportunity came through an internship that led me to the work I do today."

Charity:

"I serve as a forensic interviewer at Kids Hub, where I have the privilege of sitting and listening with children who have experienced or witnessed abuse. My role is to create a safe, child-friendly space where children feel comfortable sharing what they have experienced in their own words.

Looking back, I can clearly see the Lord's hand guiding me to this work. Even before I fully understood what a forensic interviewer was, He was preparing my heart through my education, personal experiences, and a growing passion for serving children and families. This career is not one I simply chose. It is one I truly believe the Lord called me to, and being obedient to that calling has been one of the greatest blessings of my life."

Kelly:

"I conduct and coordinate forensic interviews while working closely with our multidisciplinary team. I discovered forensic interviewing during a social work class at the University of Southern Mississippi, and I felt God was leading me to Kids Hub."

Although each journey was unique, they all shared a common desire to serve children and families with compassion, professionalism, and purpose.

What helps you stay grounded in such sensitive conversations?

‍The work of a forensic interviewer is deeply meaningful, but it also requires resilience. Having healthy support systems and remembering the purpose behind every conversation helps them continue showing up for children day after day.

Kelly:

"I have a good support system. At home I know I have a family that supports me and will comfort me on the hard days. At the office, myself and my fellow interviewers debrief hard cases and celebrate each other's wins. And most importantly I have an active relationship with the Lord keeping me grounded in His goodness."

Angela:

"Although my job does involve sensitive conversations, I am surrounded by a good team that supports me throughout these conversations. I also remember that while having these conversations, I feel honored and grateful that a child has chosen this space to share their story."

How do you make sure the child's voice stays at the center of the process?

One of the defining principles of forensic interviewing is that the child's voice remains at the center. Rather than relying on adults to interpret or retell what happened, forensic interviewers create an environment where children can share their experiences in their own words. Charity explained how that happens throughout every interview.

Charity:

"The child's voice stays at the center by allowing them to tell their experiences in their own words rather than through adult interpretations. We rely on open-ended questions that encourage children to provide narrative responses instead of yes-or-no answers. Every child communicates differently, so we meet them where they are developmentally while allowing them to control the pace of their story as much as possible."

How does the forensic interview fit into the larger multidisciplinary team approach, and why is collaboration important after an interview?

One of the greatest strengths of the Child Advocacy Center model is the multidisciplinary team approach. While forensic interviewers play an essential role, they work alongside law enforcement, child protective services, medical professionals, prosecutors, mental health providers, and family advocates to help ensure children receive coordinated care.

Kelly:

"The forensic interview is an important part of the multidisciplinary team approach because it reflects best practices for responding to child abuse. In Mississippi, we follow a statewide protocol that helps ensure every child receives consistent, developmentally appropriate care while holding each team member accountable for their role. The forensic interview is a key part of that process. Before and after each interview, members of the multidisciplinary team collaborate to share information, coordinate the investigation, and determine how to best meet the unique needs of each child and family. Each team member brings a different perspective and area of expertise, allowing us to work together to provide the best possible support."

What is something the community often misunderstands about forensic interviews?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a forensic interview is designed to make a child disclose abuse. In reality, the process is child-led and grounded in neutrality.

Angela:

"A common misunderstanding about forensic interviews is the purpose behind our interviews. Our interviews are led by the child and will follow the child’s lead. As forensic interviewers, we do offer the space for a child to disclose, however, not all children disclose."

Charity added:

"Our role is to remain neutral. We do not coach, pressure, or suggest answers. Instead, we create a safe environment where children have the opportunity to share what they know, if they are able. Sometimes that means a child discloses abuse, and sometimes it does not. Regardless of the outcome, our job is not to determine what happened. Our job is to provide children with a safe space where they can be heard."

In closing, I asked, "If you could say one thing to caregivers supporting a child through this process, what would it be?"

Charity's response serves as a powerful reminder that caregivers play a vital role in a child's healing.

Charity:

"I would want caregivers to know that simply believing and supporting a child can have an incredible impact on their healing. Children do not need adults to have all the answers. They need adults who will listen, remain calm, and remind them that what happened is not their fault. Your love, support, and willingness to walk alongside them can make a lasting difference in their healing journey."

While National Forensic Interviewer Appreciation Week gives us an opportunity to recognize these professionals, their work continues long after the week ends as children and families walk through our doors seeking safety, support, and hope.

To Charity, Kelly, and Angela—thank you for your compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve. We are incredibly grateful for each of you and the care you bring to this work.