AL SB377

Allows statements made during a forensic interview by a child under age 12 to be admitted as evidence in juvenile dependency hearings if the statements pertain to allegations of abuse against the child.

Adds a new definition of "forensic interview" as a developmentally sensitive method of gathering information about abuse or violence by a neutral professional using research-informed techniques.

Requires individuals conducting forensic interviews to complete specialized training including a minimum of 32 hours of instruction, evidence-supported protocols, child development training, and standardized review of practice components.

Expands the existing child hearsay exception to include statements made during forensic interviews in addition to statements made to social workers, therapists, counselors, psychologists, physicians, or school personnel.

The exception applies to all dependency hearings including 72-hour, adjudicatory, and dispositional hearings, but does not apply to criminal proceedings, and becomes effective three months after passage.