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Effective Interviewing of Children: A Comprehensive Guide to Eliciting Accurate and Reliable Information

Gregory Woods

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Published in Effective Interviewing Of Children: A Comprehensive Guide For Counselors And Human Service Workers

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Interviewing children presents unique challenges not encountered when interviewing adults. Children's cognitive, linguistic, and emotional development influences their ability to comprehend questions, recall events, and provide accurate information. Effective interviewers must understand these developmental factors and employ specialized techniques to elicit trustworthy accounts from young witnesses or victims.

Cognitive Development:

Children's understanding of language, memory, and causality evolves as they develop.
Younger children may have difficulty understanding abstract concepts or temporal sequences.

Linguistic Development:

Effective Interviewing of Children: A Comprehensive Guide for Counselors and Human Service Workers

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Language	:	English
File size	:	3450 KB
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Print length	:	254 pages

Children's vocabulary and expressive abilities are limited, affecting their ability to describe events in detail.
They may use imprecise or invented words, leading to misunderstandings.

Emotional Development:

Children are highly suggestible and may be influenced by their emotions or the presence of authority figures.
Trauma or anxiety can impair their ability to focus and recall events clearly.

Establishing a Safe and Supportive Environment:

Create a comfortable and private setting where the child feels safe and respected.
Explain the purpose of the interview in age-appropriate terms.
Gain informed consent from the child's caregiver, if necessary.

Using Developmentally Appropriate Language:

Use concrete and specific words that are familiar to the child.
Avoid leading questions or jargon that they may not understand.
Repeat questions to ensure comprehension and minimize confusion.

Employing Open-Ended Questions:

Encourage children to provide their own narrative by using broad questions like "Tell me what happened" or "Can you describe what it was like?"
Avoid closed-ended questions that limit their responses to yes or no.

Observing Nonverbal Cues:

Pay attention to the child's body language, facial expressions, and voice tone.
Nonverbal cues can indicate hesitation, reluctance, or distress, which may affect the reliability of their account.

Minimizing Suggestion:

Avoid using suggestive language or leading questions that may influence the child's response.
If the child makes an incorrect statement, gently correct them without implying blame.
Allow the child to recount events in their own way, even if it differs from prior accounts.

Respecting Children's Rights:

Protect the child's privacy and confidentiality.
Allow them to take breaks or stop the interview if they become distressed.
Respect their right to remain silent or decline to answer questions.

Trauma and Abuse:

Children who have experienced trauma or abuse may have difficulty recalling events or may be reluctant to disclose sensitive information.
Approach these interviews with empathy and sensitivity, using trauma-informed techniques.

Children with Disabilities:

Children with disabilities may have unique communication or cognitive challenges.
Adapt interview techniques accordingly, such as using visual aids, reducing distractions, or providing extended time for questions.

Children from Diverse Cultural Backgrounds:

Cultural factors can influence children's understanding of social norms, appropriate behavior, and language.
Be aware of cultural differences and adjust interview techniques to ensure understanding.

Protect children from unnecessary harm or exploitation.
Respect their vulnerability and privacy.
Avoid biased or judgmental language.
Document the interview thoroughly and accurately, including any non-verbal cues observed.

Effective interviewing of children requires a deep understanding of their developmental characteristics and the specialized techniques necessary to elicit accurate and reliable information. By adhering to ethical guidelines, employing appropriate interviewing techniques, and respecting children's rights, professionals can effectively communicate with young witnesses or victims, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences are fully understood.

Effective Interviewing of Children: A Comprehensive Guide for Counselors and Human Service Workers

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