The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has been selected as a finalist in the President’s Awards for Innovation and Service Excellence (Pr.A.I.S.E). In September, 2023 the Authority submitted an application to the awards on The Forensic Interview Function, under the Innovation category. In October the Authority was informed that it was shortlisted and would be required to deliver a presentation before a panel of judges in November. The winner of the prestigious award will be announced on December 12th, 2023.
As a finalist, the Authority is also eligible to win the people’s choice award. To date the Authority, in collaboration with the police, has conducted 356 forensic interviews. That means 356 children have benefitted from a child focused interview where they were treated with dignity and respect; recognised as an expert regarding their own experience; and afforded the opportunity to communicate about that experience in their own way. It also means that the police have 356 matters for which statements have been derived to support the criminal investigation process. As a result, the chances of apprehending alleged perpetrators and bringing justice to child victims and their families were increased.
A forensic interview is a semi-structured, non-suggestive, legally defensive and developmentally appropriate process of gathering a child’s account of events. The interview is conducted through a one way mirror and captured via a high-quality audiovisual recording system. This method aims to reduce the trauma associated with conducting multiple interviews and eliminates the need for the child to repeat the disclosure in a courtroom. Additionally, the equipment produces a DVD recording of the 2 interview that adds weight and credibility to a criminal investigation and allows easy review of the interview at any time.
The Pr.A.I.S.E Awards were launched in 2018 by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), under the patronage of Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, O.R.T.T., Former President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. They have brought well-deserved accolades and visibility to public sector agencies and organisations demonstrating innovation and service excellence.