Inside CARE House: Dedicated Interview Space

Hosting forensic interviews is one of the most important roles CARE House plays in combating child abuse in Oakland County. This takes place in specially-designed and equipped space in our building to ensure the process works effectively and comfortably for all involved.

The purpose of a forensic interview is to protect a child from having to testify about what happened to them more than once, especially in a courtroom environment. Instead, a conversation with an interviewer can be placed on-the-record in the comfort of CARE House.

On one side of a “one-way mirror” is a room where the trained Forensic Interviewer talks to the child, who has drawing supplies and fidget todays nearby, in case that’s helpful.

On the other side of the mirror, is where a multi-disciplinary team works together to listen to, watch, and record the interview so the facts of the case can be established.

The team consists of law enforcement, a CARE House Victim Advocate and, if there are allegations against someone in the child’s household, a representative of Child Protective Services. The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office may also participate in case review.

CARE House is proud to serve as the comfortable, welcoming place in our community where this work can take place, in the best interest of children.