Forensic Interviewing Project

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The Children's Home Society of South Dakota will use the grant funds to support the Forensic Interviewing Center at Child's Voice in Sioux Falls and the Child Advocacy Center of the Black Hills. The main goals and objectives of the project are to sensitively and comprehensively evaluate children, who are referred as alleged victims of physical and sexual abuse. Single interviews and medical examinations will be conducted as a protocol, to help children minimize trauma. Interviews at both centers are recorded through the use of both audio and video equipment. The recordings are used by law enforcement and prosecutors to help determine future action and support facts as evidence for child abuse cases. The recordings are permanently retained by the centers. The overall goal is to provide a safe residential treatment center for children, who have become victims of child abuse and to maintain a standard of excellence for the Forensic Interviewing Centers.

NCA/NCF