1. International Evidence-Based Investigative Interviewing of Children
Transnational Workshop
Vilnius, Lithuania
12-13 December 2017

2. Background and the NICHD protocol
The “discovery” of abuse – its scope was much bigger than anticipated
80’ies scandals and wrong translations of signals (Bjugn saken)…
The NICHD Protocol developed with basis in science; child development, linguistic capabilities, memory, suggestibility, forensic procedures, interviewer behaviour, and the effects of stress and trauma.
NICHD evidenced-based approach to forensic interviewing and ongoing reviewed by interdisciplinary cooperation including researchers, forensic interviewers, police officers, and legal professionals
The protocol has been revised
Developed by Michael Lamb and team

3. Memory Older children remember more
A 4-year-old gives as accurate information as a 14-year child
Older children remember more
Children have the vocabulary but a less complex communication language
Recall processes: we leave out things and social norms make us guess to be approved
Limit tendency to suggest by lowering pressure
Make children less ambitious and at rest

4. The child to lead NICHD protocol let the child talk
Based upon rules and guideline
Rapport building and ground rules
Young children provide less details and give short answers
Children may not want to disclose
Need to establish trust – ask open ended questions
Children relieved to talk out to someone listening

5. The challenge – the interviewer
Interviewers changed their knowledge - but not their practice
Less inviting and more directive and option posing, suggestive
Difficult to develop and maintain interviewing skills
Difficult to change behavior
Interviewers need to review their practice
Self-examine and learn with peers

6. What not to do Ask suggestive questions Introduce information
Behave coercively
Ask confusing or complex questions
Ask children to pretend or guess
Delay the interviews

7. What to do Clarify roles and purpose of interview Establish rapport
Explain ground rules
Practice narrative responding
neutral transition to substance
Minimize interviewer input
Maximize use of recall prompts
Emphasize event-specific information

8. The revised protocol
Rapport building precedes explanation of ground rules
Additional guidance with respect to building and maintaining rapport
Interviewers encouraged to express interest in the children’s experiences, to acknowledge, echo, or explore the children’s feelings