By Ben Jackson, CEO of Guardify
At Guardify, we believe the heart of justice isn’t found in systems or software—it’s found in people.
Behind every report, interview, case file, or courtroom appearance, there’s a dedicated individual showing up day after day to care for survivors, seek the truth, and ensure accountability. These are the direct service workers—interviewers, advocates, detectives, social workers, prosecutors, and medical professionals—who stand at the frontline of the justice and child protection systems.
This week, we honor them as part of our Fourth Annual National Forensic Interviewers Week!
The Unseen Courage of Everyday Work
Direct service professionals carry emotional, physical, and moral weight in their work—often without recognition. Forensic interviewers, in particular, navigate some of the most difficult conversations imaginable, conducting trauma-informed interviews with children, adults, and survivors of all kinds to ensure their voices are heard and their stories are captured with care.
It’s a delicate balance of empathy and precision. These professionals listen deeply. They validate experiences. And they create a record that becomes the foundation for legal action and healing.
Their work is technical, emotional, and essential—and it rarely makes headlines.
Building Trust, One Conversation at a Time
Whether it’s a Child Advocacy Center team coordinating with law enforcement, a nurse documenting forensic evidence, or a caseworker advocating in court, direct service workers make trust possible in systems that are often slow, overburdened, or traumatizing to navigate.
They are often the first safe adult a child has spoken to. They are often the last person standing when a case feels impossible. And they do all of this while facing immense caseloads, tight budgets, and emotional exhaustion.
At Guardify, we design our solutions with these professionals in mind—not as an afterthought, but as the central users whose needs shape how we build.
Technology That Amplifies Human Impact
Our mission has always been to create digital evidence tools that feel like an extension of the team, not an obstacle. That’s why we’ve built Guardify Connect to be simple, secure, and powerful enough to support real-world workflows—whether that’s recording an interview, sharing evidence with a legal team, or protecting the identity of a vulnerable witness.
But even the best tools can’t replace what direct service workers bring to the table: compassion, resilience, and a commitment to justice that no algorithm can replicate.
So instead, we strive to amplify it.
Celebrating Our 2025 Award Winners
Each year, we recognize direct service professionals who go above and beyond—those whose commitment to justice, compassion, and excellence truly inspire us. Meet this year’s honorees:
Champion for Children: Sandra Romero
All Faiths Children’s Advocacy Center – New Mexico
Expert in case tracking and tireless advocate—Sandra ensures no child or case falls through the cracks.
See the full nomination here:
Child Advocacy Partner of the Year: Payden Sharkey
DFPS – CPS – CPI, Texas
Shows up when others can’t—Payden brings compassion, resilience, and leadership to every child and peer he supports.
Child Advocacy Leader: Rebecca Voss
Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County – Pennsylvania
Built a thriving CAC from the ground up—Rebecca leads with vision, integrity, and tireless dedication to children.
Forensic Interviewer of the Year: Meghan Whitlock
SafeSpace Children’s Advocacy Center – Oregon
A calm, trusted presence—Meghan gives every child a voice with skill, heart, and unwavering care.
Thank You
To the forensic interviewers. To the investigators. To the victim advocates, attorneys, nurses, and center staff.
Thank you for holding the line.
Thank you for showing up when it’s hard.
Thank you for helping communities heal.
We see you. We support you. And we’re proud to be building alongside you.
Want to learn more about how Guardify supports frontline teams?
Contact our support team or explore our newest premium tools designed specifically for Forensic Interviewers and Multidisciplinary teams.
Ben Jackson
CEO, Guardify
