Listening with Care

At CornerHouse, every child’s voice matters. Our Forensic Interview Protocol™ was created to provide a safe, supportive, and reliable way for children, teens, and vulnerable adults to share their experiences of abuse. Rooted in our Child First Philosophy, the protocol ensures that each individual’s needs come first, guiding professionals across the nation and the world in reducing trauma and fostering healing.

What It Is

The CornerHouse Forensic Interview Protocol™ is a nationally and internationally recognized method developed by CornerHouse to support children, teens, and vulnerable adults in safely sharing their experiences of abuse.

Our Philosophy

At the heart of every interview is our Child First Philosophy — ensuring that the needs of each individual are the highest priority. Every interview is person‑centered and tailored to the cognitive, behavioral, and social abilities of the child or vulnerable adult.

How It Works

A forensic interview is a semi‑structured conversation conducted in a safe, welcoming environment. Highly trained professionals ask non‑leading, developmentally appropriate questions designed to elicit detailed information that can assist in child abuse investigations.

While the interview takes place, caregivers meet with an advocate to:

• Learn about the interview process

• Discuss concerns

• Identify resources

• Understand next steps

Coordinated Response

As part of the Children’s Advocacy Center model, CornerHouse brings together a multidisciplinary team to ensure a coordinated response to child abuse. Prosecutors and investigators observe interviews live via closed‑circuit television, while medical professionals and advocates collaborate to determine next steps.

This approach minimizes the need for children to repeat their stories to multiple professionals, reducing trauma and connecting families to a broad array of services that foster stability and healing.