How the Center for Hope is Transforming Child Advocacy Through Tele-Forensic Interviewing Technology

The Center for Hope is a groundbreaking Lifebridge Health Group facility, based in Baltimore, MD, dedicated to addressing violence in all its forms, including domestic violence, child abuse, and trafficking. This first-of-its-kind center in the nation collaborates closely with various responders to provide a unified and trauma-informed approach, ensuring that survivors of violence receive holistic support.  

Led by Executive Director Adam Rosenberg and Education and Research Manager Crimson Barocca, the team understands the multifaceted nature of violence and emphasizes a collaborative response. 

The Role of Forensic Interviews 

Building on a 35-year legacy as the former Baltimore Child Abuse Center, the Center for Hope serves as a leader in child advocacy, partnering with law enforcement, social services, and healthcare providers. Forensic interviews, as Rosenberg describes, are “at the center of our mission,” providing children with a safe space to share their experiences and enabling teams to take immediate action. 

Barocca explains that forensic interviews are designed as legally defensible conversations, where trained professionals listen non-judgmentally, allowing children to speak in their own words. The Center for Hope integrates victim advocacy, forensic, and medical services, so the interview serves as the launch point for investigations and support services. 

Challenge: Capturing Emotion and Connection 

When the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated tele-forensic interviewing, initial attempts lacked the ability to capture emotion, often muffling communication. Rosenberg recalls, “Initially, it was a disaster.” However, the team quickly adapted, developing a mask-free tele-forensic interviewing solution in collaboration with Iron Bow Technologies and Guardify.  

This secure video setup preserves emotional nuance and creates a more supportive environment for survivors. 

Results of the Tele-Forensic Interviewing Solution 

In collaboration with Iron Bow, the Center now utilizes a high-quality, one-touch recording system that integrates with any videoconferencing platform. This user-friendly, trauma-informed solution has delivered remarkable results: 

• 800+ Tele-Forensic Interviews Conducted: Serving children nationwide, including remote areas. 

• Reduced Response Time: Enabled teams to make critical decisions within minutes rather than months. 

• Empowering Survivors: Provided children with choices in how they communicate, restoring a sense of agency. 

• Increased Emotional Accuracy: Improved storytelling and empathy through high-quality video and audio capture. 

Download the Full Hero Highlight to Learn More 

The Center for Hope’s tele-forensic interviewing technology exemplifies the powerful impact of integrating technology with compassion. For a closer look at how this solution is transforming child advocacy, read the full Hero Highlight here: Download the Hero Highlight