The Critical Role of the Forensic Interviewer in Child Abuse Cases

The Critical Role of the Forensic Interviewer in Child Abuse Cases

When facing allegations of child abuse or sex abuse, understanding the role of forensic interviewers is crucial. These professionals work out of the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of the Children’s Justice Center, including Tampa’s own Mary Lee’s House, and are specially trained to conduct interviews with children in a neutral, non-suggestive manner. Their work is critical to ensuring that a child’s testimony is as accurate as possible and not influenced by outside factors.

What Does a Forensic Interviewer Do?

Forensic interviewers follow rigorous protocols to create a safe and supportive environment where children can share their experiences in their own words. Unlike untrained individuals who might inadvertently lead a child to a specific response, these experts use open-ended questions to collect unbiased testimony.

Key aspects of forensic interviews include:

• Neutral and Non-Suggestive Questioning: Ensuring children describe events without outside influence.
• Video Recording: Interviews are recorded, allowing law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and medical professionals to review exactly what was said.
• Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration: Forensic interviewers often wear an earpiece so that professionals who work in a multidisciplinary team—including law enforcement, child protective investigators, and medical experts—can provide real-time feedback to guide the questioning. The forensic interviewer is responsible for asking the questions in a non-suggestive manner.
• Observation Through a One-Way Mirror: This setup allows investigative teams to assess the child’s responses without direct interference.

The Risk of Contaminated Testimony

A major issue in child abuse cases arises when a child’s testimony becomes contaminated before they even reach the forensic interview stage. Well-meaning but untrained individuals—including parents, teachers, foster care providers, and investigators—may speak with the child before the CAC interview. Unfortunately, these early discussions can introduce confirmation bias, potentially leading a child to adopt a suggested narrative.

Key risks of contaminated testimony include:

• Leading Questions: If a child is asked suggestive questions multiple times, they may begin to affirm an event that never happened.
• Parental or Authority Figure Influence: Children may unintentionally alter their testimony based on encouragement or expectations set by adults.
• Difficulty Correcting an Inaccurate Narrative: Once a child believes and repeats an inaccurate story, even a properly conducted forensic interview may not be able to undo the damage.
• Trauma: Multiple interviews may expose actual child victims of abuse to repeated trauma.

How an Experienced Tampa Defense Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one is facing allegations stemming from a child’s statement, having a skilled defense attorney is essential. With over 25 years of legal experience defending child abuse and sex abuse cases, Rocky Brancato of The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. is uniquely equipped to protect your rights. Tampa Attorney Rocky Brancato spent years working in an elite unit that handled only child abuse, sex crimes and homicide cases. He is past second-in-command of the largest criminal defense firm in the Tampa Bay area, the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office.

Attorney Brancato meticulously investigates the timeline of a child’s questioning, from initial discussions to the formal forensic interview. He evaluates whether improper questioning took place, whether suggestive techniques were used, and whether any outside influences affected the child’s account. Additionally, during depositions, he carefully examines:

• Whether the child was coached or influenced before making their statement.
• How previous conversations may have impacted the child’s perception of events.
• Any signs of investigator bias or procedural errors that could compromise the case.

By thoroughly dissecting the investigative process, Rocky Brancato helps ensure that only reliable, uncontaminated evidence is considered in your defense.

Contact The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. for a Strong Defense

Facing allegations involving a child’s statement is a serious matter that requires experienced legal representation. If you or someone you know is dealing with such charges in Tampa, Hillsborough County, or the surrounding Tampa Bay area, contact The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. today. Rocky Brancato’s deep understanding of forensic interviews and the complexities of child abuse defense can make a significant difference in your case.

📞 Call 813-592-8981 for a confidential consultation.

Protect your rights, your future, and your reputation—let an experienced Tampa defense attorney fight for you. Put Rocky in your corner!