NCJ Number
180172
Editor(s)
Jon R. Conte
Date Published
1999
Length
261 pages
Annotation
Developed for child interviewers by child interviewers, this guidebook integrates comprehensive coverage of research and extensive clinical experience to describe effective interviewing procedures.
Abstract
The multidisciplinary backgrounds of the authors include child protection service workers, a police officer, an attorney, a psychologist, and a social worker. Current research on and clinical realities of child interviewing are examined to demonstrate proper procedures for interviewing children. The guidebook's interviewing topics include deciding which children can benefit from a forensic interview, gathering background information, preparing the interviewing room, posing appropriate questions and using the correct tools, and closing and documenting the interview. Special topics encompass memory and suggestibility, responding to non-disclosure and false allegations, working with special needs children, and managing abuse allegations in the context of custody disputes. Additional information and literature on child interviewing techniques, a social history questionnaire, and a protective order are appended. 143 references