17-15-16. Funding for costs of forensic interviews for persons less than 18 years of age or developmentally disabled.

When a forensic interview is conducted and when funding is available, the cost of such interview for a person who is less than 18 years of age or developmentally disabled may be paid for by the fund in an amount to be determined by the board.#

The board shall develop standards, protocols, and guidelines related to reimbursement of forensic interview providers.#

The board shall establish an annual limit of:#

1. (1)

   The amount that may be paid from the fund;#

2. (2)

   The amount that may be reimbursed for each interview; and#

3. (3)

   The limit on the number of interviews that will be reimbursable from the fund.#

Funding may be used only when:#

1. (1)

   The results of the forensic interview will be for identification of the interviewee’s needs, including social services, personal advocacy, case management, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services;#

2. (2)

   The forensic interviews are conducted in the context of a multidisciplinary investigation and diagnostic team, or in a specialized setting such as a child advocacy center; and#

3. (3)

   The interviewer is trained to conduct forensic interviews appropriate to the developmental age and abilities of children, or the developmental, cognitive, and physical or communication disabilities presented by adults.#