When a child is involved in a forensic interview, the process must be handled with precision, sensitivity, and adherence to best practices. These interviews play a crucial role in gathering accurate and reliable information while minimizing trauma for the child. Following established protocols helps ensure that the interview is legally sound, ethically conducted, and supportive of the child’s well-being.
What Matters Most for Child Forensic Interviews?
There are many guidelines that forensic interviewers need to follow to maintain a structured yet flexible approach to the conversation with a child. Here are just a few key areas that matter most—but there are many more. Fortunately, plenty of resources are available for professionals to hone their skills and continue their work with confidence.
1. Neutral Setting
Whenever possible, interviews for abuse or neglect investigations should be conducted at a CAC, as these spaces are designed to provide a child-friendly environment and support multidisciplinary teams. When a CAC is not an option, interviewers should strive to create a neutral and comfortable setting. Today, there are even options for mobile child advocacy centers, so you can take your process “on the road.”
Minimizing noise, removing distractions, and ensuring an uncluttered space can help children stay focused. Seating arrangements should also be planned to respect personal space and accommodate any special needs.
2. Privacy in the Interview
While it may seem beneficial to have a support person present during a child forensic interview, research has not consistently shown positive effects. In some cases, their presence can actually discourage children from sharing sensitive details.
If a support person is necessary, they should be seated outside the child’s direct line of sight to prevent unintentional cues. What’s more, interviewers should make it clear that only the child is to speak unless the support person is directly addressed. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the interview while ensuring the child feels as comfortable as possible.
3. Child-Centered Conversations
In addition to having a neutral setting for the child, forensic interviews should always prioritize the child’s perspective. This means allowing them to express their experiences in their own words. Children should set the vocabulary and pace, ensuring that their responses remain as natural and unbiased as possible.
Interviewers should also refrain from interpreting a child’s emotions or making assumptions about their experiences. Instead of imposing adult perspectives—such as saying, “That must have been frightening”—interviewers should use open-ended questions that encourage children to share their thoughts freely.
4. Hypothesis Testing
Forensic interviews aim to clarify a child’s statements by exploring different possible explanations for their reports, such as whether certain actions could have occurred in routine caregiving or medical contexts.
If a child’s statements seem inconsistent, interviewers work to establish whether they are describing multiple events or if there are misunderstandings in their wording. Before concluding, interviewers ensure that statements are as clear as possible and that any allegations are well-defined. Carefully testing alternative hypotheses allows forensic interviewers to enhance the reliability of the information gathered.
5. Consider the Broader Investigation
Forensic interviews play a crucial role in gathering information that may support an investigation. By asking children about details such as who was present during an event, interviewers can help identify potential witnesses or uncover additional evidence.
It is also important to maintain the investigative nature of these interviews. Forensic interviews are not a form of therapy. As such, they shouldn’t be conducted by mental health professionals who have an existing or future therapeutic relationship with the child. Keeping forensic interviews separate from treatment ensures objectivity and protects the integrity of both the investigative and therapeutic processes.
6. Record Audio and Video
Recording the entire conversation helps ensure that the child forensic interview only needs to happen once, as all parties will be able to review the content at their convenience. This is critical for best practices.
Omnidirectional microphones ensure that no word is missed in the conversation, and having multiple camera angles can capture every nuance that the child exhibits. This is invaluable information for the court to review. If you need help setting up the right solution for your child advocacy center, iRecord can walk you through the process!
7. Interviewer Guidelines
Building rapport is another key element. Simple gestures, such as using the child’s first name and showing interest in their concerns without assuming their feelings, can help establish trust. Providing space and time for children to respond without pressure, along with avoiding suggestive language or promises, ensures that the information gathered remains reliable.
For a comprehensive guide to best practices, the Michigan Health and Human Services Task Force and the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect has outlined their forensic interview protocols in detail. This document is highly recommended reading for those conducting or overseeing child forensic interviews. We’re sure it can teach you something new!