Forensic services are provided to children who may have experienced abuse or who have witnessed a crime or other violent act. The primary purpose of forensic services is to ensure the safety of the individual child as well as other children in the community. Forensic services are provided in a safe and child-friendly environment.
Referrals to the CFAC are made by area Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services. Active investigations are opened after child sexual abuse has been disclosed or reported to Law Enforcement or Child Protective Services. When disclosure and reports occur, a forensic interview should be conducted.
At the Child and Family Advocacy Center of South Central Minnesota, our forensic interviewers are trained in the internationally recognized CornerHouse Forensic Interview Protocol. This protocol serves two important functions:
- Utilizes a child-first mentality to ensure that our team of professionals is prioritizing the needs of the victim and their family. The child leads the way as the “expert” of their experience.
- Asks questions in an unbiased, non-leading way. This ensures accuracy of the child’s testimony and bolsters its efficacy in court. Thus, the information provided helps to ensure efficient prosecution of offenders and meaningful justice that prioritizes the safety of the victim.