Introduction to Child Interviewing

Objectives Compare & contrast child & adult interviews. Explain how to engage & interview the child. Describe developmental considerations for child interviews. Child Interviews

Preparation Engagement The Interview Closing Stages of the Child Interview

Preparation IFF … on going monthly visit

Preparation – Consider Purpose: IFF Decide if maltreatment occurred. Assess the child’s immediate safety. Obtain relevant information that can be used in making safety decisions. Attend to the emotional care and comfort of the child.

Preparation – Consider Purpose: Monthly Visit Whether the child feels safe in their home or placement The child's needs, wants and progress Visits with siblings and parents Case activities and planning such as visits and permanent plan. Assessment information for immediate and long-term intervention plans.

Preparation – Background Info Review of the visitation notes. Review of notes from any of the services that the child is participating in. Information on progress from school.

Preparation –Consider Child’s Development Understanding the developmental characteristics of the child will help determine the type of information you will be able to glean from the child, and what behaviors would be considered normal or of concern for a child of that age.

Engagement Greeting Note Taking? Light Conversation Assess Development

The Interview Eye Contact/Body Language Discuss Reason for Interview Ground Rules Interviewing Techniques

Closing Praise the child’s efforts, not specific content Reassure the child without making any untrue statements, or false promises Offer support Invite questions Explain what will happen next/what to expect.

Concepts of numbers, time, assumptions, perspective, causality/magical thinking, & misunderstandings develop gradually Young Children’s Thought Processes

Children Construct their own rules for how the world operates Develop in phases Individual Development Varies Domains develop separately, at different rates; One domain may mature before another Principles of Child Development