Adult Forensic Interviews (AFI)

A Trauma-Informed Approach for Adult Victim Survivors

Adult Forensic Interviews, or AFIs, provide adult victim survivors, ages 17 and older, with a safe, neutral, and trauma-informed opportunity to share their experiences with a specially trained forensic interviewer. 

AFIs are investigative conversations, not interrogations. They are designed to support adult victim survivors while helping law enforcement, prosecutors, and multidisciplinary partners better understand the individual’s experience. 

TXFNE pioneered Adult Forensic Interview services in Texas, developing the AFI model to address a critical gap in trauma-informed services for adult victim survivors. Today, TXFNE operates the state’s largest and most established Adult Forensic Interview program. 

What Is an Adult Forensic Interview (AFI)?

An Adult Forensic Interview is a structured, trauma-informed investigative conversation conducted by a specially trained forensic interviewer in a safe and neutral setting. 

AFIs are guided by evidence-based interviewing practices and professional standards. The goal is to reduce retraumatization, support communication, and preserve the integrity of the investigative process. 

TXFNE forensic interviewers are neutral professionals. They are not law enforcement officers, do not determine guilt, and do not advocate for a particular investigative outcome. 

Who May Benefit from an AFI?

Adult Forensic Interviews may support victim survivors impacted by: 

  • Sexual assault and abuse 

  • Domestic violence 

  • Strangulation 

  • Human trafficking 

  • Elder abuse 

  • Exploitation 

  • Stalking 

  • Adults disclosing childhood sexual abuse 

  • Other violent or traumatic crimes 

The appropriateness of an AFI is determined on a case-by-case basis. 

What to Expect

AFIs are conducted in a safe, neutral, and non-judgmental environment. 

Participants may share their experiences in their own words and at their own pace. Participation is voluntary, and the interview process is designed to reduce the need for repeated interviews whenever possible. 

AFIs are observed in real time by a member of the investigative team and are recorded to support continuity, coordination, and the integrity of the investigative process. 

There is no cost to victim survivors. 

Language Access and Accommodations 

TXFNE is committed to ensuring Adult Forensic Interviews are accessible to participants. 

Professional interpretation services are available at no charge when a participant’s primary language is not English. Accommodations may also be considered based on communication needs, disability-related needs, or other circumstances. 

Tele-Forensic Interviews 

TXFNE offers Tele-Forensic Interviews when appropriate to expand access to specialized forensic services, particularly for communities where in-person access may be limited. 

Tele-Forensic Interviews are coordinated through the referring agency and the TXFNE Adult Forensic Interview team. 

Program Impact

Since launching the Adult Forensic Interview program in 2020, TXFNE has:

  • Conducted more than 4,000 Adult Forensic Interviews (AFIs)

  • Provided interviews in more than 17 languages

  • Expanded access to forensic interview services across multiple Texas counties

  • Partnered with more than 50 law enforcement agencies to provide AFIs for referred victim survivors

  • Supported coordinated, trauma-informed multidisciplinary responses for adult victim survivors

  • Helped reduce the need for victim survivors to repeatedly recount traumatic experiences

  • Completed 119 teleforensic interviews in 2025, expanding access for victim survivors in rural and underserved communities

Need to Refer an AFI?

For referral requirements, partner resources, and scheduling information, visit our AFI Partner & Referral page. 

Questions About Adult Forensic Interviews?

Phone: (281) 306-6893, option 3 

Email: forensicinterview@txfne.com

Partner & Referral Information
Schedule an AFI

Frequently Asked Questions

  • An Adult Forensic Interview (AFI) is an investigative conversation, not an interrogation, conducted in a safe, neutral, and non-judgmental environment. It allows participants to share their experiences in their own words and at their own pace. 

    AFIs are observed in real time by a member of the investigative team and are recorded to help reduce the number of times a participant must recount what happened. 

    AFIs are conducted in collaboration with law enforcement after a crime has been reported and may support cases involving sexual assault, human trafficking, strangulation, domestic violence, adults disclosing childhood sexual abuse, and other victimizations. 

  • Adult Forensic Interviewers are specially trained, unbiased, and neutral individuals who are not part of law enforcement. Adult Forensic Interviewers apply trauma-informed, victim-centered best practice approaches to reduce further victimization. Adult Forensic Interviewers maintain confidentiality and only discuss the details of the interview with the investigative team or others involved in any affiliated court proceedings.

  • Eligibility varies by county, with 17 being the minimum age for participation. 

    Please contact the AFI team with questions regarding age requirements or case eligibility. 

  • AFIs are scheduled through law enforcement agencies or District Attorney Offices. 

    For scheduling assistance or referral questions, contact the AFI team at forensicinterview@txfne.com or call (281) 306-6893 and select option 3. 

  • AFIs may take place at a TXFNE location or, when appropriate, through a Tele-Forensic Interview hosted by a partner agency in a safe, private, and secure setting. 

  • ItemParticipation is voluntary. 

    Individuals may choose whether to participate and may pause or stop the interview at any time. description

  • Yes, if a participant’s primary language is NOT English, an interpreter is used. The interpreter will convey everything word per word, without any additions or paraphrasing. Interpreters will maintain confidentiality and will not discuss any details shared in the interview with anyone else. It is important to note that interviews with an interpreter may cause the interview to be longer than usual.

  • The length of an AFI™ is dependent on the complexity of the case and the needs of the participant.

    On average, an AFI™ will last 90 -120 minutes.

  • A Tele-Forensic Interview (TFI) is a forensic interview conducted remotely through secure video technology. 

    TFIs help expand access to specialized forensic interview services for participants who live outside the Greater Houston area or where in-person access may be limited. 

    Like in-person AFIs, TFIs are observed in real time by a member of the investigative team and are recorded. 

  • Only the participant, forensic interviewer, and interpreter (if applicable) can be in the AFI™ room during the interview. Participants can bring a support person, however, they will be asked to wait in our waiting area or outside of the building due to our facility’s space capacity. Please note that childcare is not provided, please make arrangements for minors prior to your interview.

  • There is no need to bring anything specific to the interview. Our team is well-prepared and equipped for the AFI™ process. Reach out to your AFI™ team with any questions or concerns about further accommodations

  • After the interview, TXFNE advocacy services can be offered. TXFNE has an in-house team of advocates who are ready to assist immediately after the interview or a referral can be sent to our advocacy team. Any questions about what happens with the investigation after the interview can be referred to the investigative team. If participants have additional information regarding their case that needs to be disclosed in the interview space, a follow-up interview can be scheduled

  • A follow-up interview is a subsequent interview conducted after the initial AFI™, typically at a later date.

    A follow-up interview can be scheduled if the investigation continues with law enforcement and the participant has further information to share

  • Email records@txfne.com using your agencies email address. Request your interview by giving the case number and participant name within the email.

    Once our administrator verifies this information, a member of the AFI™ team will reach out to coordinate your interview access

  • Contact the AFI™ team at (281) 306-6893 and select option #3 or email forensicinterview@txfne.com