NCJ Number
213163
Date Published
March 2000
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Intended for persons living or working in Native American communities, this monograph explains the difference between forensic and clinical interviews of children during an investigation of abuse or during their treatment; it then focuses on the procedures and the setting for an effective forensic interview.
Abstract
Forensic interviews are conducted to obtain accurate facts governed by rules of evidence. The interview is conducted in such a manner as to elicit from the child a full and accurate recollection of the abusive events. This requires that the interviewer be objective, neutral, and without bias. The intent of the interview is not to treat the child's needs but rather to obtain evidence for possible presentation to a court. The monograph discusses the preparation for the interview, the interviewing environment (facility and interview room), who should be present at the interview, the record of the interview, and how to communicate with children. The latter discussion considers the approach of the interview with the child, children's memory and suggestibility, developmentally appropriate questioning, and types of questions. Whereas forensic interviews are conducted to obtain factual information for possible use as evidence in court, clinical interviews seek to identify and assess a child's physical and psychological needs and provide treatment for those needs. The focus is not so much on objective facts, as in the forensic interview, but rather on the child's perceptions of and feelings about the abuse. The child, rather than the court, is the client. The child's informed consent is required to seek outside verification of information and provide information to other parties. 26 references and 15 organizational resources