"We're going to meet some nice people who want to listen to what you have to say. You'll get a quick check-up like at the doctor to make sure you're healthy. Then, you can share your stories. Remember, you haven't done anything wrong, so don't worry. It's important to tell them the truth about what happened, just like you tell me. They're here to help you feel strong and happy!"

Your child will talk with a forensic interviewer who has special training and experience in talking with children about potentially difficult subjects. Questions are asked in a non-threatening and non-leading manner at a pace that is comfortable for your child. The interviewer never forces a child to talk to them.

The medical portion of the assessment is a head-to-toe physical exam with no shots. It is very similar to a well-child check. No part of the exam should be painful or uncomfortable.

No. The medical provider and forensic interviewer will escort your child to the exam room. Caregivers will remain in the waiting area. This allows the child to talk about their experiences in a neutral setting.

A forensic interview is an opportunity for a child to talk about their experiences in a neutral way. It is designed to make your child feel as comfortable as possible while the interviewer gathers detailed and accurate information.

No. Only those people who are directly involved with the investigation are allowed to observe the interview. Children need to be able to talk in a setting that is as neutral as possible.

The length of the interview will be determined by your child—by their attention span, their pacing, and how much they have to say. Most interviews last approximately 30-60 minutes. Interviews may be longer with older children. Your child always has the option to take a break or end the interview at any time.

After the interview, your child will be escorted back to the playroom or waiting area. The assessment team will meet with you to discuss their recommendations for follow-up services. This may include counseling or referrals to other community resources. You will have an opportunity to ask questions of the assessment team, detective, and/or child protective service worker (if they are involved in the assessment).

When you leave Juliette’s House, you may feel tired, relieved, sad, angry, confused, or overwhelmed. All these feelings are normal, and you need to be able to express them. Please try to avoid expressing intense emotions in front of your child as they may find that frightening or worrisome. Find people in your life that you can lean on who will listen to you and support you.

The Family Support Team at Juliette’s House is also there for you. We will contact you the week after your appointment to help you navigate the next steps. Your child may also be struggling with their feelings, especially right after the assessment, but children often feel relieved after having a chance to tell their stories and be heard. Your child needs to be believed and supported. Don’t ask them questions about what they said at Juliette’s House but listen if they need to talk. Any conversations between adults about the situation or the investigation should be done when there is no possibility of the child overhearing the conversation. Those conversations can be confusing and frightening for children, even older children.

Law enforcement and DHS will keep you informed about the investigation and status of the case if there is one. You should feel free to contact them if you have additional information or questions. Juliette’s House will be happy to help you with that if you are having difficulty connecting with the detective or caseworker.