When a child victim and those accompanying him/her arrive at the Chester County Justice Center, they are greeted by a Crime Victims’ Center advocate who will escort them directly to the CAC. Non-English speaking children, and their non-English speaking family members, are greeted by someone who speaks their language. A comfort dog is available to accompany any child if needed.
The CAC family room is a comfortable, child-friendly area with toys, games, coloring books, and other engaging materials. Here, the forensic interviewer introduces him/herself to the crime victim advocate, the child, and the accompanying adult or family. The forensic interviewer then takes the non-offending parent/caregiver into the interview room to explain the forensic interview process. When the non-offending parent/caregiver leaves the interview room, the forensic interviewer escorts the child in.
The forensic interview room is equipped with digital recording devices, a SMART Board, and anatomically correct drawings and dolls. The number of people in the interview room is limited to make the child feel more comfortable. If a crime victim advocate is requested, the advocate may be present during the interview.
When the interview is complete, the forensic interviewer takes the child to the waiting room to be reunited with the non-offending parent/caregiver.