NCJ Number
177226
Date Published
1998
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This videotape and accompanying guide indicates that professionals called upon to interview children about alleged sexual abuse must have a solid understanding of both legal and clinical issues.
Abstract
The videotape is intended for use by mental health and child protection professionals, lawyers, judges, and law enforcement personnel. Simulated and actual interview vignettes guide viewers through the process of sensitively collecting both general and abuse-focused information. Guidance is provided on how to gauge children's ability to report events accurately, what kinds of questions to ask and what questions to avoid, how to use anatomical drawings and dolls appropriately, and how to work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary evaluation team. The companion manual features supplemental information, role-play scenarios, and skills exercises, as well as research findings on children's memory and suggestibility and resource listings. The manual covers the use of forensic interviews and focused inquiries in child sexual abuse investigations. 69 references