NCJ Number
48678
Journal
International Child Welfare Review Issue: 30-31 Dated: (SEPTEMBER/ DECEMBER 1976) Pages: 63-68
Date Published
1976
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THIS INTRODUCTORY PAPER TO AN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM CONSIDERS THE PROBLEM OF RISKS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE ON YOUNG PEOPLE RESULTING FROM BADLY CONDUCTED INTERVIEW SESSIONS WITH POLICE OR JUDICIAL PERSONS.
Abstract
A DEFINITION OF THE MORAL ETHIC AND RIGHTS OF A CHILD SUSPECT, WITNESS, OR VICTIM IN HIS INVOLVEMENT WITH THE POLICE OR JUDICIARY IS NEEDED. A CHILD SHOULD BE RESPECTED FOR UNIQUENESS AND SPECIAL NEEDS. THE INTERVIEW SHOULD BE CONDUCTED SIMULTANEOUSLY BY AN INTERVIEWER REPRESENTING AUTHORITY AND ONE REPRESENTING SOCIETY. THERE SHOULD BE A COHERENCY AND CONTINUITY DEVELOPED BETWEEN THE TIME OF ACTION AND THE TIME OF INTERVENTION REGARDING THE SITUATION AND ALL ACTION TAKEN FOR THE CHILD. QUESTIONING CAN BE A FRIGHTENING SITUATION FOR THE CHILD WHO IS AWARE OF THE ROLE OR IMAGE OF A POLICEMAN OR JUDGE, DESITE THE FRIENDLINESS OR COMPETENCE OF THE INTERVIEWER. THE INTERVIEWER, THEREFORE, MUST BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ACTIONS. RULES SURROUNDING BENEFICIAL HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS AND DIALOG, BASED ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND FUNCTIONS OF EACH, MUST BE DEVELOPED. THE SOLUTION IS TO ENCOURAGE THE POLICE AND THE JUDICIARY, WHO ARE INDISPENSABLE TO THE COMMUNITY, TO RECONSIDER CERTAIN METHODS EMPLOYED WHILE WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE. METHODS SHOULD BE FORMULATED IN THE LIGHT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE HUMANITIES AND IN INTERVIEWING DIALOG AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNIQUES. THE INCREASED AWARENESS OF THE PSYCHOGENESIS OF THE CHILD SHOULD ALSO INFLUENCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW METHODS. (DAG)