NCJ Number
133666
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This police training document instructs officers in procedures for obtaining relevant information in child abuse investigations.
Abstract
The document advises that in most cases investigation of child abuse will require contact with one or more sources of information, depending on the nature of the complaint and the perceived scope of the abuse. Typically such inquiries are warranted prior to direct intervention with the family and child. One source of information consists of medical examiners and emergency room personnel. These sources can provide physical evidence that abuse has occurred. Social welfare personnel constitute another information source. Information from this source may cover family background, employment, economic and domestic stability, and related matters that reveal family dynamics. The child's teachers can also provide helpful information such as the child's school attendance record, grades, demeanor, socialization, motivation, and perceived emotional stability. Based on information from the aforementioned sources, the investigator may decide to conduct an interview with the family and a separate interview with the child. This training document suggests how these interviews should be conducted and then discusses issues pertinent to the protection of a child who is confirmed to have been abused. 1 reference and questions and answers on the material