Before your appointment
It’s helpful for your child to know about the appointment and what to expect. You can let them know that they will be meeting with someone whose job it is to listen to kids/teens and that you will be in a different room talking with someone whose job it is to listen to adults.
Give them permission to speak with the interviewer about anything they want before you arrive and tell them it is a safe place for kids/teens.
The family advocate will call you the day before the appointment to confirm the date/time of the interview
and check to see if you have any questions.
When you arrive
Ring the doorbell at the Center and a staff member will ask you the reason for your visit. Let them know
you are here for a forensic interview and they will welcome you into our waiting room.
The forensic interviewer and family advocate will meet you and your child in the waiting room to explain what will take place during your visit.
Forensic Interview
Your child will spend time with the forensic interviewer, a CAC staff member specifically trained to conduct age appropriate, non-leading, non-suggestive, fact-finding interviews.
The purpose of the interview is for the interviewer to listen and learn from your child about their experiences.
What else can I do to help my child?
Stay calm. Hearing that your child may have been abused can bring up powerful emotions; but, if you become upset, angry, or visually emotional, this will only make talking about what happened more difficult for your child.
Be there. Praise your child for being brave and for telling what happened. Do not pressure your child on what to/not to share. Disclosure is a process and we want the child to be able to talk freely when they are ready. Avoid promising your child you will go somewhere or they will receive something after the interview as a way of encouraging them to talk.
Protect your child by not allowing them to have any contact with the alleged offender. Monitor potential contact via social media, text, & any other forms of communication.
Get support for your child and yourself. STL CAC’s family advocates will assist you in accessing services. If you have questions or concerns, call our main number (314-516-4080) and ask to speak with the advocate assigned to your case.
