Lawyers, clinicians urge preserving original interviews and broadening mandatory‑reporter training

At the task force hearing, attorney Richard DeCote and clinician Dr. Siobhan Trotter urged policy changes to strengthen evidence preservation, improve training and close procedural gaps that they said have compromised investigations and child protection.

Attorney DeCote recommended keeping original forensic interview media rather than relying on thumb drives or secondary copies. "The original best evidence is what's on that hard drive," he said, warning that thumb drives can be corrupted or lost and recommending relatively inexpensive external storage to retain originals for future defense challenges or long‑running civil claims.

Dr. Siobhan Trotter, a nurse practitioner who described a multi‑year case involving a young child in her care, recounted missed protocols, inconsistent court responses and perceived failures by local agencies. She urged the task force to require use of the structured decision‑making model by DCFS intake workers, to certify court supervisors as mandatory reporters, and to require updated medical training so clinicians recognize indicators of abuse. "When you are a mandatory reporter and you call in ... the first thing you need to do is get your risk," she said, calling for better front‑end screening questions and clearer follow‑up procedures.

Both witnesses offered to share citations and resources with the committee. Task force members said they would include retention and training options in materials staff will prepare ahead of the next legislative session.