Pledge of Confidentiality

I promise that I shall hold in confidence all pertinent information. I will not violate the confidential relationships between The Center for Child Protection, its volunteers, related agencies, courts, clients and all parties interviewed. I will not remove any written information from the Center without express permission. I understand that all case related information is confidential.

I accept full responsibility for maintaining the confidentiality and private nature of all records, information, and discussions. Confidentiality includes, but is not limited to, not discussing unique characteristics or features of a client that could lead to the identification of a person or family. I understand that I am personally responsible and liable for any violation of this agreement.

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Signature Date

Print Name:______

Address: ______

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Telephone:

______(Home)

______(Work)

Witness: ______

CCP Representative

Guidelines for Interpreters

During aForensic Interview

Child Protection Team

The mission of the Travis County Child Protection Team (CPT) is to more effectively protect the children of this community by consolidating the community, investigative, legal and social services provided by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Austin Police Department, their respective Victim Services Divisions, the Center For Child Protection, Child Protective Services, Dell Children’s Medical Center and twelve other law enforcement agencies within Travis County into one collaborative effort. The Travis County Child Protection Team has as its goals the following:

  • Better protect and nurture children by reducing the trauma to children caused by multiple investigative interviews;
  • Improve collaboration to ensure coordinated investigations and provide more coordinated services to families; and
  • Enhance the quality of investigations to improve the protection of children and the prosecution of perpetrators.

The Forensic Interview

The purpose of the forensic interview is to minimize the trauma to child victims or witnesses to violent crimes. This is achieved by reducing the number of detailed interviews a child will have. Forensic interviews are conducted by specially trained interviewers who will obtain all needed information in a non-leading, non-suggestive manner.

The information will be shared with the assigned Child Protection Team members and therefore may be used in a criminal or civil proceeding. It is important that the integrity of the forensic interview remain intact. The information that is collected during the forensic interview MAY NOT be shared with persons outside of the Child Protection Team. The guidelines listed below should be followed in order to maintain the integrity of the forensic interview.

Pre-interview

  • Discuss the case allegations with the forensic interviewer before the interview is conducted.
  • Review seating arrangement in the interview room to ensure proper placement of all parties.
  • Join CPT members while meeting with the caregiver that is present with the child.
  • During the meeting specific information about the child’s communication style and development will be collected.

During the interview

  • Do not edit questions or responses from the forensic interviewer or the child.
  • If one party does not understand, convey the misunderstanding rather than try to explain it yourself. Let the interviewer know if the child does not understand something.
  • Do not omit portions of questions or responses; do not add or embellish on information.
  • Interpret in the first person, rather than adding, “He said/she said.”
  • Do not alter the phrasing as questions are translated.
  • Convey the content and spirit of what was said – the real meaning, not just the literal translation. Convey the cultural framework if that is appropriate.
  • Interpret accurately, without comment,even if you disagree with what is said, believe it is a lie, or feel that it is immoral, do not let your biases show.
  • Do not ask the child your own questions.
  • Do not provide any known information from the case staffing to the child.
  • Do not show emotion or reaction to information that is asked or a response by the child.
  • Maintain a neutral demeanor through out the interview.

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Signature