What is it.
This webinar explored the role of quality assurance in maintaining the integrity of child forensic interviews. Quality assurance involves systematic processes used to ensure that services (e.g., forensic interviews) meet established standards and deliver consistent, reliable outcomes.
Dr. Sarah MacDonald provided clear, practical recommendations to assess the quality of child forensic interviews through three key activities: self-evaluation, peer review, and formal review. Detective Dave Palmer shared insights, drawing on his experience conducting formal reviews and feedback to other interviewers.
How can it help me?
Forensic interviewing of children and youth is a core component of child abuse and neglect investigations. Formal training in a recognized child forensic interview protocol is well established across Canada however, approaches to measuring interview quality vary across Canada. CYACs play a critical role in establishing and sustaining practices that measure interview quality and adherence to best practice. These practices can strengthen interview integrity while offering opportunities for skills development and confidence.
Key terms or acronyms used in this webinar
- CACs/CYACs – Child Advocacy Centres / Child and Youth Advocacy Centres
- FI – Forensic Interviews
- CFIs – Child Forensic Interviews
