How many children receive services?
More than 1000 children receive Services through the Bridge each year. There are between 85 and  100 interviews done each month. 

Does the videotape take the place of a child having to testify?
No. According to the confrontation clause in the U.S. constitution, it is the defendant's right to be able to cross examine their accuser.  It can serve as a prior consistent statement in addition to the child’s testimony at the time of trial.  The main advantage of  videotaping an interview  is to eliminate the need for the child to be interviewed multiple times by law enforcement, CPS, prosecutors and the defense.   The videotape can be passed around instead of the child.

How is The Bridge funded?
The Bridge receives approximately 30% of its funding from the United Way.   The rest is made up of private donations, and grants through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), the Office of the Attorney General,  the National Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers and Children’s Advocacy Centers™ of Texas, Inc. The Bridge is also the beneficiary of the America's Best Thrift Shop located at 16th and Washington in Amarillo. Clothing and household item donations can be taken directly to the thrift store location, or contact the store at 376-1300 to find out when pick-up will be available in your neighborhood.

Who is allowed to watch the interview?
Investigators and Bridge Staff are the only people allowed to watch the interview as it is taking place. Immediately following the interview, investigators will meet with the family to talk about what took place during the interview and what the next steps will be. Parents and/or guardians are not allowed to watch the video for two main reasons (1) the child is made aware of who will be watching the video, and knowing that parents would be watching may inhibit the child from speaking due to wanting to protect the parent from hearing what occurred and (2) many times the investigators will want to take a statement from the parent about what the child told them before the interview, and do not want what the child originally told the parent and what is said during the interview to become confused.

Do children know that they are being videotaped during the interview?
Yes. We want the child to be informed about everything that is going on. Before the interview begins, the interviewer will show the child where the camera is, explain why a videotape is made (so the child does not have to be interviewed by each agency involved in the investigation), and who will be observing the interview. 

How long does the interview process take?
To complete the entire process, which includes meeting with the parent or guardian prior to the interview, the interview of the child, and meeting with the parents following the interview, takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half. An interview usually takes approximately 20 - 30 minutes, for each child, and meeting with parents takes approximately another 30 minutes.  

How is a forensic interview different from a therapeutic interview?
A forensic interview is a fact finding interview which is conducted when there has been a report of abuse. The questions in a forensic interview are very closely monitored not to lead the child in any way. The child will have one forensic interview and then will be referred for counseling following the interview.