Safe Children Foundation

Forensic interview - when police or child protective services receive a report that a child has been sexually or physically abused, or has witnessed a violent crime, the child is brought to safespot for a forensic interview. The goal of the forensic interview is to elicit information that evaluates the safety of the child, assesses the need for medical or psychological care, corroborates or refutes allegations of abuse and neglect; and provides evidence in the criminal investigation. Most importantly, our child forensic interviewers ask questions that are structured to avoid re-traumatizing the child or compromising the investigation. Interviews are observed by members of the fairfax county child abuse multidisciplinary team - including law enforcement and child welfare workers - to ensure that the investigation and prosecution is coordinated, and wrap-around care is provided to the child and family.

Family advocacy - safespot family advocates meet with the caregivers to listen and offer crisis response and support. Advocates provide resources, service referrals, crisis intervention, and guidance on navigating the child welfare and criminal justice systems. Caregivers are provided with education about the impacts of abuse and trauma, as well as strategies and tools to support their children. Family advocacy services are initiated at the time of the forensic interview but continue for as long as the family needs support.