What to Expect at Lori’s Place

We understand this may be an anxious time for you and your family. When a child is referred to Lori’s Place, it’s often through law enforcement or the Department of Child Services (DCS) as part of an effort to ensure their safety and well-being.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with members of the multidisciplinary team — including professionals from law enforcement and DCS — who are working together on your child’s case. You’ll be able to ask questions, receive updates, and better understand the process ahead.

Our goal is to make sure you feel supported, informed, and never alone.

Below is a brief overview of what happens at Lori’s Place:

Arrival & Welcome

You will be greeted by a victim advocate. Your advocate will guide you through your day at the center. Our advocates specialize in helping families who have experienced trauma. Your advocate will explain what to expect, answer your questions, help you fill out paperwork and connect you with resources you may need for things like counseling, food and housing. You and your child are encouraged to ask your advocate any questions that come to mind.

During the initial paperwork, your children are invited to play in our family room. Our staff are trained professionals in supporting children and self-led play. There are video games, dolls, puzzles, coloring books and other activities available. Snacks and beverages are also available.

Forensic Interview

If a forensic interview is part of your child’s visit, they will speak privately with a specially trained interviewer who knows how to talk with children in a trauma-sensitive, age-appropriate, and supportive way. The goal is to give your child a safe space to share their experience in their own words. As a caregiver, you’ll have a chance to meet the interviewer beforehand. However, to protect the integrity of the process and help your child feel more at ease, you will not be present during the interview. (Please see more information regarding forensic interviews below.)

Meeting with the Investigative Team

After your child’s forensic interview, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with the professionals involved in the case. This may include representatives from law enforcement and the Department of Child Services (DCS), depending on the nature of the referral. These team members observe the interview to gather important information and work together to ensure your child’s safety. They will meet with you afterward to discuss next steps, answer questions, and provide clarity about the process moving forward.

Medical Exam (If Applicable)

If a medical exam is part of your child’s visit, it will be performed by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) who is specially trained to work with children in a trauma-informed and compassionate way. The exam is gentle, non-invasive, and focused on making sure your child’s body is healthy and okay. You’re welcome to stay with your child during the exam, and you’ll be able to speak directly with the nurse to ask questions or share concerns. Everything is explained in a way that helps both children and caregivers feel informed and supported. (Please see more information regarding medical exams below.)

Wrapping Up Your Visit

Once all services are complete, your family advocate will meet with you to check in, answer any remaining questions, and provide a brief mental health screening to help assess how you and your child are coping. Your advocate will discuss next steps in the process and who will follow up with you as well as offer any final resources or referrals that may be helpful. You will never leave Lori’s Place without support and a plan. You’re encouraged to reach out to Lori’s Place at any time after your visit if you have questions, concerns, or need additional support. We’re here for you, every step of the way.

Our Commitment to You

At Lori’s Place, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and healing environment for every child and family who walk through our doors. Your privacy is respected, and confidentiality is maintained throughout the entire process. All services are provided completely free of charge. Everything we do is centered around your child’s safety, comfort, and well-being — because we believe every child deserves to feel heard, protected, and cared for.

At Lori’s Place, the forensic interview is a key part of your child’s visit. This interview is a carefully structured, child-friendly conversation designed to help gather information about something your child may have experienced. It’s important to know that this is not an interrogation—your child will be asked open-ended, non-leading questions in a safe and supportive environment.

Our forensic interviews are conducted by professionals who are specially trained to speak with children about sensitive topics. They follow your child’s lead, moving at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful. Children are never pressured to talk, and the interviewer will only ask questions when the child is ready.

To protect the integrity of the process and reduce stress for your child, only members of the investigative team are allowed to observe the interview. Parents, caregivers, and others are not permitted in the interview or observation rooms. This helps ensure the setting remains neutral and focused solely on your child’s experience.

You’ll be with your child until the interview begins, and you’ll be reunited as soon as it’s over. During the brief time your child is apart from you, they will be in a secure, welcoming space with compassionate and highly trained staff.

While Your Child is Being Interviewed

While your child is in the interview, you’ll meet with a family advocate. Although they are not therapists, our advocates are here to support you. They’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and connect you with helpful resources. If they don’t have an answer right away, they’ll make sure to find someone who does.

After the Interview

Once the interview is complete, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with the law enforcement officer and, if applicable, the Department of Child Services (DCS) investigator. They’ll provide a general overview of what was learned and answer any questions you may have.

Keep in mind that the forensic interview is just one part of a larger investigation. Other individuals may need to be interviewed, and additional evidence may be collected. If there is a suspect, they will be interviewed separately—never at Lori’s Place.

All information gathered will be shared with the County Attorney, who will determine whether charges will be filed. If DCS is involved, they will use the information from the interview to help ensure your child’s safety.

If you have questions at any point during the investigation or legal process, your family advocate is here to help guide and support you.

At Lori’s Place, medical exams are conducted with compassion and care. While they may differ slightly from a routine pediatric visit, they are never invasive. The goal is to assess your child’s overall health and development, provide treatment if needed, and support any investigative needs.

Exams take place in our private, on-site exam room and are performed by registered nurses and nurse practitioners who specialize in identifying signs of physical and sexual abuse. These professionals are trained in trauma-informed care and work with children of all ages, abilities, and comfort levels. Their approach is gentle, developmentally appropriate, and focused on helping children feel safe and supported.

If necessary, we offer testing and treatment for infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Our team also conducts thorough medical assessments and can collect forensic evidence to support an investigation. For cases involving suspected strangulation, we use a Cortexflo camera to capture high-quality images of bruising and other physical signs that may not be visible to the naked eye.



Many children worry that something might be wrong with their bodies. Our medical team helps reassure them that they are okay, and many leave feeling more confident and less anxious after the exam.

Forensic Interview: What You Might Want to Know

Medical Exam: What You Might Want to Know 

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