Appointments are scheduled through a coordinated process with law enforcement and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).  Speak with the assigned detective and/or DCFS worker who is involved with your family about whether your child will be interviewed at the Lake County CAC.

Explain to your child that it is the interviewer’s job to listen to kids and that they talk to many children every day. Let your child know that it is alright for them to talk about everything that has happened to them. Tell your child that they are not in trouble and that it is important for them to tell the truth. If you have questions about what to tell you child about the interview, contact us to speak with one of our Victim Advocates.

Upon arrival, you and your child will be greeted by one of our staff members in the lobby. A team of professionals that includes law enforcement, a child forensic interviewer, victim advocate, DCFS worker, mental health therapist, nurse, and an assistant state’s attorney may be present at the Lake County CAC during your appointment. Your child will be interviewed by the child forensic interviewer and one or more of the other professionals may meet with you during or following the interview. 

The interviewer will speak with your child alone.  It may actually be more difficult for children to talk about details of a traumatic event with their parent present.  The presence of a parent in the room may also distract or inhibit children during an interview.  In addition, children are likely to expect parents to answer questions for them however, it is best if children can provide information on their own. 

You may reassure your child that during the interview, you will be close by, waiting in the lobby, and that you will be there when the interview is complete.