Preparing for a Visit

 Who will be talking to my child?

Victim Advocate

One of the first people you will meet when you arrive at The Saville Center for Child Advocacy is the Victim Advocate.  This person plays a vital role in making sure your child has a positive experience while at the center.  The victim advocate may ask you, the parent or caregiver, to complete paperwork and will answer any general questions that you may have.  You will be advised of any services that may be available and will be offered referrals to requested services.  The victim advocate will also be contacting you in the days/weeks following your visit to the center to see how things are going and if any other services are needed.  The victim advocate works for The Saville Center and has your child’s best interests at heart.

Forensic Interviewer

The forensic interviewer will be talking to your child about what has occurred.  The interviewer is trained in a very specialized protocol appropriate for your child’s age and social and emotional development.  The interview is structured to encourage your child to talk about their experiences using their own words.  The interviewer will be the only person allowed in the room with your child.  If other investigators are involved, they may observe the interview from another room.   You will meet the Forensic Interviewer beforehand to discuss the basic information about the interview process.

The interview:

Your child’s interview is a critical part of the investigation.  The forensic interviewer will meet your child and escort them to a comfortable interview room.  One of the interviewer’s responsibilities is to assess and monitor your child’s comfort level throughout the interview process.  If your child shows extreme stress or anxiety, the interviewer will end the interview and return him/her to the waiting area.  Your child’s interview will be videotaped with the intention that your child will not have to repeat their experience over and over again throughout the investigation.  However, there may be a point at which your child could be called to testify in court.  If that occurs, we will be able to provide assistance with our Court School program.  Only the investigative team is able to see the recording of the interview unless court ordered.  You will not be allowed to watch the interview.

After the interview:

The Forensic Interviewer will bring your child back to the family room when the interview is finished. Do not question your child about what happened in the interview.

You will be able to talk to a member of the investigative team.  They will tell you in general terms what they learned from the interview and the next step in the investigation process.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice your concerns.  Law enforcement and/or child protective services will keep you informed about the investigation and status of your child’s case. Your victim advocate is always available to talk with you about any feelings or concerns you may have.

Will my child need a medical exam? 

We offer exams to all clients free of charge.  The nurse practitioner is specially trained in the area of child physical and sexual abuse.  Medical exams are child friendly and often relieve any anxiety that you or your child may have about the health of their body.  A physical abuse exam is similar to a regular checkup at your child’s doctor.  A sexual abuse exam is also similar to a regular checkup but does include an examination of the genital area for any abnormalities.  These exams are non-invasive and rarely cause any discomfort.  If one is needed, we strive to have the exam conducted the same day as the interview.  When the examination is over, the nurse practitioner will be able to tell you in general terms what was learned.  Our goal is for the child to be as comfortable as possible.