ER - Interview Process Cuts Down On Trauma Of Children

Interview Process Cuts Down On Trauma Of Children
by Christine Bensen The Eureka Reporter 5/6/04

Child Interview Specialist Laura Todd conducts a mock interview with Deborah Reeves, a mental health professional support representative from child youth and family services.
Imagine being an abused child, now imagine having to tell the story of your abuse to law-enforcement officers and lawyers — over and over again.

Before 1996, abused children in Humboldt County had to tell the same story numerous times, for their statements to be taken, so that a case could be established and possibly prosecuted.

Seeing a definite problem with this procedure Child Abuse Services Team was developed, under the direction of the District Attorney’s Office, to lessen the trauma a young victim has to experience.

“We’re trying to educate the community on what it is we do,” said Paul Gallegos, Humboldt County District Attorney.

Despite the proposed cuts in the upcoming year’s budget, he said the District Attorney’s Office remains committed to the vulnerable members of the community.

“We just want people in the community to know here is this system, it’s designed to help people,” Gallegos said.

CAST is made up of members from the District Attorney’s Office; local law-enforcement agencies; Child Welfare Services; the Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health Division, Child, Youth and Family Services Division, and Public Health Branch; North Coast Rape Crisis Team; Sexual Assault Response Team; the Humboldt County Probation Department; and local tribes.

Fortuna Police Officer Greg Hill, the C.A.S.T. liaison for his department, said there are a number of reasons a police department initiates a child abuse case.

He said it may receive a report from a mandatory reporter — such as a teacher or school employee, counselor, health care professional, social worker, law-enforcement officer or mental health professional. Hill said police also pursue tips received from numerous other people.

Once law enforcement opens a case, the alleged abused child and his/her family go to the CAST office so that the child’s statement can be taken and the family interviewed to.

If the alleged abuser is a member of the family they are not allowed at the CAST office.

To avoid putting a parent or guardian in the situation of being a possible witness for the defense, the interview is done without the parent or guardian of the child present.

Once the alleged abused child and family arrive, the child is brought into a room with a trained interviewer. If at anytime the child needs a break, it is granted.

“Once the interview starts, (a representative from the) Mental Health (Department) brings the family in their office,” said Melissa Arnold, CAST office coordinator.

The interview room is set up with a two-way mirror on the wall where law-enforcement officers, a deputy district attorney and other people involved in the case can hear and view the interview. The interview is also videotaped. Arnold said this is all explained to the child ahead of time.

The interviewer is also fitted with an earpiece so the people behind the glass can submit questions they want answered.

“We cover anything, whatever law enforcement wants to talk to the child about,” Arnold said.

“It helps (us) get the evidence in the first place,” Gallegos said. “It helps us evaluate it. Some of these taped interviews are pretty compelling. It’s pretty powerful.”

Once the interview is over, the family and child talk with mental health representatives. Law-enforcement officers are also available to talk to the family and this is the time the family can get referrals to services, including mental health.

Laura Todd, the child interview specialist for the team, said she has conducted more than 300 interviews in the past six years.

“I love the job, I love the work. It’s a great team to work with,” she said. “Everybody recognizes that this is a great way to get the job done.”

Because the program is set up to interview children between the ages of 3 and 18 years, as well as some developmentally disabled adults, the office is full of toys, art supplies and even a computer stocked with games.

“A lot of kids don’t want to leave when it’s time to go,” Arnold said.

Related:
ER - Interview Process Cuts Down On Trauma Of Children 5/6/04
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ER - Board of Supervisors talks over grant denial for program 5/11/2005
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ER - Gallegos says program is safe 5/15/2005
ER - Victim witness program funds sought by county 5/18/2005
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