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Interviewing
One of the primary activities of child abuse or neglect investigations involves interviewing children, parents, and others who may have knowledge that can assist the investigation. Interviews may be conducted to gather information for assessments or to gather evidence; the latter are called forensic interviews. Resources include State and local examples.
Child Sexual Abuse Investigations: Testing Documentation Methods (PDF - 188 KB)
Berliner & Lieb (2001)
Presents the results of three pilot projects that tested different methods for documenting interviews with alleged victims. A child interview guide with sample questions is provided.
The Exploratory Interview of a Maltreatment Report: The First Encounter in a Child Protection System (PDF - 53 KB)
Wattenberg, Menke, & LaPointe
Practice Notes (Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, University of Minnesota), 14, 2003
Tips and recommendations for opening and closing the first interview.
Finding Words: Half a Nation by 2010. Interviewing Children and Preparing for Court (PDF - 649 KB)
American Prosecutors Research Institute (2003)
A start-to-finish interview training course for multidisciplinary teams.
Guide for Forensic Interviewing of Spanish-Speaking Children (PDF - 409 KB)
California Institute on Human Services, Sonoma State University (2004)
Insights and strategies for persons interviewing Spanish-speaking children, information for interpreters, and suggestions for multidisciplinary teams. Also available in Spanish: Guía para Entrevistas Forenses de Niños de Habla Hispana (PDF - 480 KB)
Half a Nation by 2010: Final Report
American Prosecutors Research Institute (2006)
View Abstract and Document
Discusses the activities and outcomes of a project to provide forensic interview training to child protection professionals who interview children.
Interviewing Preschool Children
National Children's Advocacy Center (2002)
This course identifies developmental issues and means of screening during forensic interviews.
Investigative Interviewing of Children (PDF - 49 KB)
Children and Family Research Center (2002)
Discusses the accuracy of interviews with abused and neglected children, key characteristics affecting accuracy, and strategies for ensuring accuracy.
Key Factors in Forensic Interviews With Native American Children (PDF - 109 KB)
Blahauvietz
APRI Update, 18(6), 2005
Discusses the key factors to consider when interviewing children of Native American or Alaskan Indian descent with regard to sexual abuse allegations.
Speaking With Children: Advice From Investigative Interviewers
Lyon (2001)
In Handbook for the Treatment of Abused and Neglected Children
Gives a brief overview of research-supported strategies that can maximize the quality and quantity of information produced when children are questioned about abuse.
Toward a Better Way to Interview Child Victims of Sexual Abuse
Harris
NIJ Journal, (267), 2011
Discusses challenges involved in interviewing children about child sexual abuse. The article shares results of a study that evaluated the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development interview protocol.
State and local examples
Child Interview Guide (PDF - 463 KB)
Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress, Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, & Washington Department of Social and Health Services (2007)
Assists those conducting investigative interviews with children to incorporate research-based interviewing techniques with their own styles while allowing for the individual differences of each child.
Guide for Forensic Interviewing of Spanish-Speaking Children (PDF - 409 KB)
California Institute on Human Services, Sonoma State University (2004)
Insights and strategies for persons interviewing Spanish-speaking children, information for interpreters, and suggestions for multidisciplinary teams. Also available in Spanish: Guía para Entrevistas Forenses de Niños de Habla Hispana (PDF - 480 KB)
Interviewing Strategies
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Provides interviewing strategies when working with a child abuse case involving children with special needs or disabilities. Includes points to consider, reference articles, and video or audio clips.
Investigative Interviewing in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program (2010)
Examines safety and risk assessments used during a child sexual abuse investigation and how to implement protective measures accordingly. The workshop also presents methods for interviewing the alleged child victim, non-offending caregivers, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts.
Working With Resistant Families
Missouri Department of Social Services (2007)
In Child Welfare Manual
Examines skills needed to effectively work with clients who may be resistant to treatment and to prevent the potential for violence, including information on interviewing techniques for establishing a relationship.