Forensic Services

When a child discloses abuse or abuse is suspected, this can be an uncertain time for the entire family. The Tree House, Inc. offers forensic interviews and advocacy services to help children and families navigate the uncertainty. When suspected abuse is reported to law enforcement and/or the Division of Family and Children Services, the next step is to have the child come to The Tree House, Inc. for a forensic interview.  During a forensic interview, a highly trained professional will have a recorded conversation with the child to gather a statement of any possible abuse that occurred or that they may have witnessed. The referring agencies are present at the time of the forensic  interview to coordinate a response, but they do not talk with the child so that the child will feel as comfortable as possible at our facility.

 

One goal of a forensic interview is to reduce the number of times a child must share their story.

 

When child abuse occurs, it affects the entire family unit. Research demonstrates in 90% of cases, the the abuser is a family member or someone the child knows and trusts. The Tree House, Inc. provides victims advocacy services to provide support and education to caregivers during this process. The family advocate will meet with caregivers prior to the interview and after the interview to offer support and help provide any resources the family may need. The family advocate will continue to be accessible to the family even after the forensic interview is completed.  

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Although forensic medical exams are not provided at The Tree House, Inc., our staff members are available to accompany the child and non-offending caregivers to provide additional emotional support. Children are referred to forensic medical exams by the multi-disciplinary team and exams are conducted by staff at SANE, Inc., based in Athens, Georgia. 

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Before, during, and after a forensic interview at The Tree House, staff prioritizes the emotional and physical well-being of every child. 

 

Forensic Services:

• Forensic interviews 

• Family advocacy

• Multi-Disciplinary Team coordination

• Forensic medical exam accompaniment 

• Expert court testimony in criminal and juvenile court 

• Assistance with victim compensation