Some Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the SAIN Team members?
SAIN Team Members (Team) may include staff members from the District Attorney's Child Abuse Unit, Department of Children & Families and state or local police departments. These representatives may include specialized investigators, family service advocates, social workers, and assistant district attorneys.
|
What should I tell my child about this meeting?
Children are most comfortable when they know what to expect. We suggest the following:
- Explain to your child that s/he will be meeting with a concerned adult to talk about what happened to her/him.
- Tell your child that the person who will be talking with her/him talks to lots of children and it's that person's job to make sure kids are safe.
- Do not tell your child what to say. Simply tell your child to tell the truth.
- Reassure your child that s/he is not in trouble and is not going to this meeting because s/he has done something wrong.
- Tell your child that the interviewer will spend time with her/him during the interview to explain the process and answer her/his questions.
How does the interview work?
- Only one member of the Team will interview the child.
- Other Team members observe through a one-way mirror.
- The Team is able to communicate with the interviewer to ensure all necessary information is obtained.
- The interview is videotaped by a camera on the other side of the one-way mirror. The child may be told that s/he is being videotaped.
What is the advantage of having my child interviewed by the SAIN Team?
- Having Team members observe the one-on-one interview reduces the number of times your child must recount what happened to her/him.
- Services for your family will be better coordinated.
- As the parent or caretaker, you will meet the Team before the interview of your child and ask any questions that you may have.
Will this be the only time my child will have to talk about the abuse?
|
Can I sit with my child during the interview?
- A parent or caretaker is not permitted to sit with their child during the interview.
- It is important for the interviewer to talk with your child alone.
- Since it is difficult for children to talk about these issues, a parent or caretaker's presence may inhibit or distract the child during the interview.
- It is best if your child is able to provide the information herself or himself.
Can I sit with the Team during the interview?
- Parents are not permitted to sit with the Team during the interview.
- Because this is an investigation, Team members need to assess and document the interview. They would be unable to respond to your immediate concerns.
What will happen after the interview?
- Team members will meet briefly to discuss the information disclosed during the interview.
- You will meet with the Team to discuss information about your child's interview and hear the Team's recommendations.
- The Family Service Advocate will consult with you and may discuss your child's involvement in the court process.
- You may be referred to the Early Family Support Project to meet the crisis support clinician.