Child Forensic Interviewing

A child forensic interview is one component of a comprehensive child abuse investigation. They are usually performed at the beginning of the investigation so that they can provide direction.

Child Forensic Interviewing

A child forensic interview is one component of a comprehensive child abuse investigation. They are usually performed at the beginning of the investigation so that they can provide direction.

The Hirschfield Center averages
40 forensic interviews per year.

The Hirschfield Center averages 40 forensic interviews per year.

Forensic Interviews are for children ages 3-17 or adults who have a developmental disability. The interviews are digitally recorded so they only need to be performed once, and can immediately be given to law enforcement for the investigation. The interviews are observed by a team that generally includes child abuse experts, law enforcement, Department of Family Services, and the prosecution. Teton Youth & Family Services has staff and community partners who are trained in a very specific protocol to talk to children about what may have happened to them.

Concerned that your child may have experienced some type of abuse?

Contact law enforcement (307-733-4052) or the Department of Family Services (307-733-7757) for an initial screening. If one of those agencies feels there is a credible allegation, they will contact the Hirschfield Center to schedule an interview.

What is a Child Forensic Interview?

A forensic interview is a developmentally sensitive and legally sound method of gathering factual information from a child regarding allegations of abuse or violence. This interview is conducted by a trained, neutral professional using researched and practice-informed techniques as part of a more extensive investigative process. The interview is digitally recorded in a comforting space so that the child only needs to go through the process once.

When should a forensic interview be conducted?

The child should be interviewed as soon as possible after the initial report of abuse or violence – as the child's mental and emotional status permit – and as soon as a multidisciplinary team response can be coordinated.

Where can I send a child for an interview?

Wyoming has three Child Advocacy Centers that will conduct a child forensic interview for any law enforcement or Social Services/Department of Family Services (DFS) agency free of charge thanks to the Victim of Crimes Act (VOCA) funding from the Wyoming Division of Victim Services.

The other two Child Advocacy Centers in Wyoming – besides TYFS – are Safe Harbor in Cheyenne and the Children's Advocacy Project in Casper.

In 2019 TYFS conducted 16 interviews.

12 were from Teton County.

Continuum of Care

We always start with the least restrictive care and, if necessary, move on to more involved intervention.