Intervention
Intervention services at the Children’s Advocacy Center are designed to support children and families after a concern of abuse has been raised. Coordinating professionals from several agencies means families can receive thoughtful, child-centered care and support in one place. Below you’ll find more information about the services and support the CAC may provide for children and families during the intervention process.
What Is a Forensic Interview?
Children can be especially vulnerable in abuse situations. They may feel afraid to speak up or worry they won’t be believed. During a CAC forensic interview, we listen carefully, build trust and create a safe space where children can share their story in a way that feels safe. From there, we connect them with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) that works together to investigate, pursue justice and support each child as they begin to heal.
What happens during a forensic interview
A forensic interviewer first meets privately with the caregiver to learn why they are here and gather background about the child. This conversation is not recorded.
The interviewer then meets one-on-one with the child in a separate, child-friendly room. Using open-ended and age-appropriate questions, the interviewer allows the child to share their story at their own pace and only once. The child leads the conversation, and an interview may or may not result in a disclosure. If the child does not want to talk about something, the interviewer respects that and moves on.
When the child would like extra comfort, Pawnee, our emotional support dog, may be present.
The interview strictly follows state protocols and is video recorded. Members of the MDT observe live from an adjacent room behind a one-way window. The MDT may include a prosecutor, law enforcement officer or detective, Child Protective Services worker, forensic nurse, mental health professional, family advocate and the MDT coordinator, who documents the interview.
Afterward, the child can relax and play in a safe space. The interviewer and MDT then meet with the caregiver to review the interview, explain next steps, answer questions and connect the family with resources and support right away.
Most families leave feeling relieved, knowing their child was heard and that a team is now walking alongside them with care, support and hope.
Multidisciplinary Team Provides Coordinated Support
One of the reasons, CAC is so effective in identifying and helping to heal child sexual abuse trauma is our partnership with a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Rather than working independently professionals from multiple disciplines come together to provide a coordinated, child-centered response focused on healing and restored hope.
CAC’s MDT coordinator contacts the team members for the forensic interview. This may include a law enforcement detective or officer, Child Protective Services worker, prosecutor, forensic medical examiner, mental health professional, CAC therapist and family advocate. When everyone is brought together, the child only needs to tell their story once. The team then works collaboratively to create a strong plan for justice, healing and ongoing support.
Everyone at CAC is skilled in trauma-informed care
We work with many children and understand that every child responds to sexual abuse trauma in their own way. Something deeply harmful has happened to them and they may feel confused, embarrassed, guilty, afraid or may not fully understand what was unsafe. Their emotional or physical reactions can be concerning to caregivers, but at CAC, we meet each child where they are in their healing journey. We always respond with kindness, respect and without judgment.
Family Advocacy and Victim Support is Readily Available
At CAC, our team of family advocates and victim supporters provides caring, one-on-one support to child victims and their non-offending family members. From the first visit and throughout the healing process, your advocate checks in to understand your family’s immediate needs and help ease the stress you may be feeling.
Your advocate can connect you with free clothing, food, household items and comfort toys through the CAC Care Closet. If you face financial hardship with rent, electricity, heating bills or transportation, your advocate will help find the support you need. When travel to CAC for therapy is difficult, they can help arrange sessions closer to home. Your advocate is readily available to answer questions, provide victim compensation forms, connect you to community resources and make sure your child receives the care and support they need, so your family never feels alone or overlooked.
More Ways We Help
Support groups so you’re not alone
We offer support groups that bring together people on similar healing journeys. Groups may include non-offending caregivers, parents, teens and others affected by trauma related to sexual abuse.
Each group is led by experienced professionals who create a safe, supportive environment for conversation and connection. Participants share experiences, learn practical coping strategies and gain tools for navigating stress, triggers and everyday challenges.
Walking this path alongside others in different stages of the journey can offer something powerful: reassurance, connection and hope that healing is possible.
Free on-site child care
To make it easier for parents and caregivers to access our services, we offer free child care to siblings in a safe, child-friendly space.