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Q: How does a child come for an interview at the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center?
A: Children are interviewed here only after we receive a police report and/or Department of Children and Family Services report alleging child sexual abuse and/or severe physical abuse. Law enforcement must be present and view the victim sensitive interview.
Q: Does the parent have to be present at the center during my child’s victim sensitive interview?
A: It is imperative that you be here with your child. You need to sign a consent form in order for your child to be interviewed. The interviewer will speak with you to gather any information you can offer about the allegation.
Q: Can I sit with my child during their victim sensitive interview?
A: The information disclosed during the victim sensitive interview can be emotionally upsetting to the parent/guardian, and we want children to be as comfortable as possible. Therefore, parents are not allowed to sit with the child during the interview. We do not want anything to inhibit your child in any way.
Q: Can I sit on the other side of the mirror and watch my child’s interview?
A: No, you are not allowed to view the interview. Anyone viewing the interview could be subjected to a court subpoena. Therefore, law enforcement, a representative from the state’s attorney’s office, DCFS, if warranted, and possibly an Advocacy Center staff member, will be the only people observing the interview.
Q: What if my child becomes upset during their victim sensitive interview?
A: Our trained interviewers work with children under many different circumstances. If your child becomes upset, our interviewers work with them to reassure them and make them as comfortable as possible. If, however, the child becomes too distraught, the interview is ended.
Q: What happens to the recording of my child’s victim sensitive interview?
A: All recordings are evidence belonging to law enforcement, and, therefore, the evidence stays with law enforcement. The Will County Children's Advocacy Center does not keep copies of any recordings of the victim sensitive interviews.
Q: What happens after the victim sensitive interview is over?
A: Law enforcement and/or DCFS will meet with you and inform you as to how the investigation will proceed. A case manager from the Advocacy Center will aid you in finding the appropriate counseling services and/or resources after the victim sensitive interview is concluded.
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