Techniques for Interviewing and Evidence Gathering (From Sexual Abuse of Young Children, P 67-100, 1986, Kee MacFarlane and Jill Waterman, et al, -- See NCJ-115728)

• NCJ Number: 115729
• Author(s): K MacFarlane; S Krebs
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 34 pages
• Sale Source: Guilford Publications, Inc.
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Mental health clinicians and criminal justice professionals who conduct interviews to determine whether or not a young child has been molested need to use several specific techniques to provide a competent, sensitive assessment that takes adequate time and that is geared to the needs of the child rather than the needs of the agency.

Abstract

Even when an interview is conducted for purely therapeutic purposes, the interviewer must be aware that reporting may be required and that the way in which the interview is conducted can affect the outcome of a case. The role of a children's interviewer is somewhat similar to that of an interpreter for a person from another country. Thus, interviewers must establish a common terminology for people, things, body parts, and sexual acts. Interviewers should overcome the child's fear of threats or consequences by addressing fears directly and by using puppets and toys as communication aids. Interviewers should also understand the psychological defense patterns that children often use. They must be responsible in their use of leading questions and verbal reinforcement, help overcome denial, provide options for answering, and use some system for keeping track of information. Remembering the child's point of view throughout the process is also crucial.