Our Approach to Forensic Interviews
Our Forensic Interviewers provide developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed forensic interviews that minimize trauma while obtaining accurate information from children when sexual abuse and/or exploitation is disclosed or suspected. Every interview is conducted in a child-friendly environment where children are empowered to share information at their own pace with a specially trained interviewer.
The forensic interviewer does not determine whether abuse occurred, conduct investigations, or provide therapy. Instead, the interviewer creates an environment where children can safely provide information while maintaining neutrality throughout the process.
What to Expect
Before Your Visit
Sharing something traumatic is difficult at any age, and even more so for children. For many children, the forensic interview is their first time talking about their experiences with a trained professional. Our interviewers take time to help children understand what to expect and reassure them throughout the process.
To minimize repeat trauma, children work directly with a forensic interviewer trained in trauma-informed practices. The Center's forensic interviewers complete nationally recognized training programs and collaborate closely with investigative professionals to conduct interviews tailored to each child's developmental level, reducing the need for multiple interviews. These interviews encourage children to share their experiences, which helps guide offender investigations and provides critical information for the Multidisciplinary Teams to connect the child and caregivers to resources and ensure findings are admissible in court. To support a sense of safety and comfort, the Center features two interview rooms designed specifically for child victims.
During Your Visit
During the forensic interview, you can expect:
A Child-Friendly Environment: Your child will meet with a trained forensic interviewer in a private room designed to help children feel safe and comfortable.
A Conversation at Their Own Pace: The interviewer uses age-appropriate, trauma-informed techniques to help your child share their experiences in their own words.
A Supportive Approach: Interviewers are specially trained to communicate with children at different developmental levels and help reduce fear and anxiety.
A Coordinated Process: Interviews are conducted in collaboration with investigative professionals to help minimize the need for children to repeat their experiences.
A Step Toward Support: Information gathered helps guide investigations and allows our Multidisciplinary Team to identify appropriate services and resources for children and caregivers.
Our priority is your child’s well-being. We work to create an environment where children feel comfortable sharing, knowing they are being heard and believed.
Who is Working With Your Child
Nationally Accredited Child Advocacy Center Staff
Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) accredited by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) follow nationally recognized standards for forensic interviewing. Learn more about the National Children’s Alliance: National Children’s Alliance.
Specialized Forensic Interviewers
Our forensic interviewers receive specialized training and work closely with investigative professionals to conduct interviews tailored to each child's developmental level, helping minimize the need for children to repeat their experiences.
Will My Childs Privary Be Protected?
Secure & Confidential
Forensic interviews completed at BRACAC are stored using the Guardify Digital Evidence Storage System. Guardify digital storage is better organized, more accessible, and more secure than traditional disc storage. It was designed specifically for child advocacy centers in collaboration with the National Children’s Alliance and an advisory council of expert attorneys, forensic interviewers, prosecutors, therapists, and Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the U.S. It is HIPPA compliant.
Funding to support the use of Guardify is made possible by a grant from the Kentucky Bar Foundation.
