Child Forensic Interviews​

Forensic interviews are recorded and conducted in a manner that is: legally sound; supportive; of an unbiased, fact-finding nature; coordinated among multidisciplinary members; and grounded in research-based forensic interviewing guidelines.

Activities

CYAC activities within the core are of forensic interviews may include:

  • Coordinate the interview time with the MDT
  • Assess unique needs or resources required for the child/youth
  • Child life specialist (or equivalent) explains the process to the child to ensure their physical and emotional readiness for the interview
  • Use of an Accredited Facility Dog in a child forensic interview  
  • Conduct interviews in a secure, child-friendly, non-threatening setting (ideally at the CYAC where possible)
  • Skilled interviewers take the child/youth statements
  • Video and audio record interviews
  • Monitor and scribe interviews
  • MDT members observe the interview in real-time, and coordinated information gathering to avoid duplication
  • Peer review process

For more information about forensic interviews, see the national guideline and key components.

CYAC Guidelines

Outputs

The type of activities at your CYAC will determine what outputs you track related to forensic interview. Example outputs are:  

  • # of forensic interviews conducted (on and offsite)
  • # of requests for canine support
  • # of canine support provided
  • # of forensic interview trainings conducted
  • # of certified interviewers on the MDT
  • # of forensic interview peer reviews conducted
  • # of disclosures

Child and youth outcomes

Forensic interviews within the CYAC model can contribute to safety and justice for children and youth. Ways to know how forensic interview activities contribute to these outcomes are: 

Safety

  • Cases are triaged and the most urgent cases are prioritized
  • Forensic interviews are conducted in a timely manner
  • A single, high quality forensic interview is completed
  • Interviews are developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally safe
  • Caregivers feel informed and equipped to support the child/youth after their interview

Justice

  • Children and youth feel empowered to ask questions
  • Children, youth, and caregivers are informed and understand the reason behind investigation decisions
  • Children, youth, and caregivers understand how interview evidence may be used throughout investigation and legal processes

Healing

  • Children and youth feel validated and supported through the disclosure process

Data Collection Practices

Data collection practices need to reflect your local operational and community context. You may already have tools in place to track these outputs and outcomes, or have tools that can be adapted to reflect these outputs and outcomes. If you need support in enhancing your data collection practices, please connect with us.

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