FVCIT is a specialist, multi-agency team delivering trauma-informed forensic joint investigative interviews (JII) using the Scottish Child Interview Model with children and young people who have experienced or witnessed harm/abuse. The model focuses implicitly on the needs of the child and minimises the risk of further trauma. The service operates across Forth Valley and is jointly funded by Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, Police Scotland and works with partners across health, education and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). 

One of the strongest messages I took away from my visit was the team’s sense of purpose. Colleagues spoke about feeling privileged to do this work and about the importance of getting things right for some of our most vulnerable children. There was a clear sense that this work matters and that it can genuinely make a difference to children’s lives. 

The team operates within the Scottish Child Interview Model, which represents a significant change from previous approaches. This is a much more considered, planned and trauma-informed way of working. Interviews are carefully prepared in advance and carried out jointly by social work and Police Scotland colleagues, working together as one team. They take place in a dedicated, child-friendly setting, and children are supported throughout the process, including being able to take breaks, ask questions and more importantly being able to give informed consent. 

The team shared with me that the quality of disclosure from children and young people has improved significantly under this model, reinforcing the value of taking the time to do this work well. 

Partnership working sits at the heart of this service. While full co-location hasn’t been possible, the team has developed a hybrid approach that is working well. The key to all of this has been on strong communication and building relationships across organisations, including with CAMHS, education services and health colleagues. 

This collaborative approach was evident throughout our discussion. The team has faced challenges such as resourcing and working on different computer systems between council and police that aren’t compatible but it was clear that trust, shared learning and professional respect are vital to making the model work in practice. 

Colleagues spoke openly about being on a learning journey. There was a strong message that there’s no room for complacency, that this is a service that will keep learning, adapting and improving as it develops. 

The visit has reinforced for me how important the work the team carries out is and how powerful the collaborative approach can be. It sets a strong example of how we can and should be strengthening partnership working across organisations. 

I’d like to thank everyone in the team for their time, openness and professionalism. This was a strong and encouraging start to the Spotlight visits, and I’m looking forward to continuing these conversations with teams across the Council in the months ahead.