Local News
Professionals strengthen skills for child abuse cases
By Fannin County Children’s Center
May 24, 2011

Forensic interviewers from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding counties recently traveled to Bonham to improve their skills in interviewing children and youth who may have suffered abuse.  The Fannin County Children’s Center, which includes the Fannin County Children’s Advocacy Center, hosted a “Peer Review” at their agency for forensic interviewers who work at Children’s Advocacy Centers from across North Texas.

Forensic interviews are fact-finding interviews conducted by specially trained personnel with children and youth when there is a suspicion of sexual abuse or serious physical abuse.   The interview process uses a non-threatening approach and location.  Children’s Advocacy Centers are often the site for these types of interviews because they are designed to be neutral, child-friendly facilities.  

Children’s Advocacy Centers also allow for a team approach to the interview process.  Investigators from Child Protective Services and local law enforcement can observe the interviews while they are happening and provide input as to the questions that are asked.  Interviewers are trained to ask questions in ways that are developmentally appropriate and avoid being leading or suggestive. 

Forensic interviews at a Children’s Advocacy Center also minimize the need for multiple interviews because they strive to address the issues of Child Protective Services, law enforcement and prosecution all in one interview that is recorded.  Multiple interviews can cause more trauma for a child victim who is already suffering from the abuse.

Those attending the peer review in Bonham included Britney Martin and Kassi Bowen who work at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Fannin County.  Participants spent time discussing three journal articles about forensic interviewing that they had read prior to the meeting.  They also brought copies of interviews they have done with children.  They took turns viewing parts of the interviews and getting constructive criticism and feedback in order to strengthen their interviewing skills.

The peer review process happens quarterly and is organized by Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, the state association of children’s advocacy centers.  The state organization also offers an intensive, five-part training process for forensic interviewers.  The peer review process is designed to complement and enhance the continuing education process.       

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas also provided trainers for an Advanced Multidisciplinary Team training recently held in Bonham.  Local representatives from law enforcement, CPS, the District Attorney’s office,  juvenile probation, mental health and the CAC met for a day long training in order to strengthen skills in working together.  Through group activities and discussions, the multidisciplinary team learned more about the CAC model and brainstormed ways to improve the team process, all in an effort to improve outcomes for victims.

For more information about the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, visit www.cactx.org.  More information about the local center can be found at www.fanninccc.org.