Child Advocacy Center Video Recording System

A forensic interview is a structured conversation with a child intended to provide detailed information about possible events that may have been experienced or witnessed. Child forensic interviews can obtain information from a child that may be helpful in a criminal investigation, assess the safety of the child’s living situation, gather information that may corroborate or refute allegations of abuse, or assess the need for medical and psychological care. Given the legal implications, recording child forensic interviews is of vital importance, creating an accurate and easily accessible record.

Audio/video recording systems for child abuse interviews can significantly improve the ability to prosecute cases of child abuse. By creating a high-quality, accurate, and easily accessible record of the interview, audio/video technology adds weight and credibility to the case. Recorded interviews can be easily reviewed at any time, potentially eliminating the need for the child to repeat the process in the courtroom, which not only strengthens the investigation but also minimizes the emotional stress on the child.

VALT is a state-of-the-art digital video recording and management system for interview rooms. Our audio/video system eliminates the need for bulky analog or DVR equipment in each room, instead utilizing a centralized server that can support dozens of interview rooms and cameras simultaneously at a fraction of the cost. VALT is powerful yet easy to deploy and operate, making it an ideal solution for child advocacy centers.

VALT uses high-quality IP cameras that can be fixed or movable pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) models. Multiple cameras can be placed in an interview room to obtain several angles when recording child forensic interviews. VALT also utilizes microphones with auto-gain technology, ensuring that background noise and hum are eliminated, resulting in clear, high-quality audio recordings.

With VALT, any user with the proper permissions can easily access video sessions using a standard internet browser, such as Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. The audio/video system features powerful tools that enable users to augment individual video segments with annotations, and each session is tagged with metadata, making it simple to look up any given session in the future. You can also adjust settings to determine how long video sessions are stored on the network, ensuring efficient management of the recorded content.

Yes, VALT includes a built-in 'talkback' system that allows remote viewers to communicate in real-time with the person(s) conducting the child advocacy interview using discrete earbuds. This feature enables collaboration and support during the interview process. But that's not all. VALT also has a compatible mobile application, BEAM, for portable, off-site interview recording. This means operators can record child forensic interviews from any location using a smartphone or tablet, offering unparalleled convenience and flexibility. The video is then automatically synced to the central server, ensuring seamless integration with the main system.

At IVS, we understand the critical importance of security and privacy when dealing with child advocacy cases. VALT supports state-of-the-art encryption methods, user rights management structures, and user authentication procedures to ensure only authorized persons can access and view video sessions. The system is designed to fully comply with HIPAA regulations, providing child advocacy centers with the highest data protection and confidentiality.