Your First Visit

We are located in an office suite on Pinetree road, South of Jolly road. 

Scroll down to find out how to get here, take a virtual tour, and read about the forensic interview process. 

Scheduling

Law Enforcement will schedule the interview with Small Talk and notify you of the appointment date and time. Please keep in touch with your Officer/Detective.

Getting Here 

If you're driving, park in the back and walk down the stairs or take the elevator.

If arriving by bus, take Route 7 Aurelius-Miller to stop 5815 and access the building from the back parking lot

Intake Paperwork and Translation

You will be greeted by a Small Talk team member and complete intake forms. Let your Officer/Detective know if we can provide an interpreter for you.

Address

3400 Pine Tree Road, Suite 106
Lansing, MI
US

Phone

517-253-0728

Frequently Asked Questions

The goal of a forensic interview is to obtain a statement from a child in a developmentally-sensitive, unbiased, and legally defensible manner to support accurate and fair decision-making in the criminal justice and child welfare systems.

Do I Need to Prepare?

There is no need to prepare.
However, children and teens may be put at ease by knowing what to expect.
Here are some tips:
Be honest with your child about the purpose of the appointment. Inform your child that someone wishes to talk with him or her about what occurred. 

Do not rehearse with your child or tell your child what to say. If your child begins to talk about what occurred you can let them finish talking and thank them for sharing with you. 

Depending on the age of your child, consider the most appropriate time to tell them about the appointment.

Reassure your child and give them permission to talk freely and to tell the truth. 

Ease their fears or worries by comforting them and telling them that everything will be okay. 


Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center employs trained professionals who maintain a neutral, child-friendly environment where you and your family will be treated with respect.

Who Attends the Interview?

Small Talk utilizes a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach during the investigation. MDT members are specially trained in child abuse investigations. Members include: Law Enforcement, Prosecutors, Counselors, Protective Service Workers and Medical Experts. Members may be present at Small Talk, but only one trained interviewer will conduct the interview.

What Happens During and After the Interview?

One, plain clothes, trained professional will conduct the interview in a child or teen-friendly manner. All interviews are recorded, as recommended by Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol. A staff member will meet with you after the interview to explain the next steps.

I have additional questions, who do I contact?

Email: 
Aubree Vance, Director of Forensic Interviewing and Prevention Services
[email protected]

or call us at 517-253-0728

Take a Virtual Tour of Our Office