Interviewing Children

Abstract

Interviewing children is an important aspect to the jobs of many professionals. Often times the accounts recalled by children are needed in the cause of legal issues, including child sexual abuse and other crimes. The events recalled by children are very important in these cases, thus making it important to attain the most accurate information possible when interviewing them. In order to do this, proper techniques, questions and rapport must be established between the interviewer and child. The vocabulary should be based on the individual’s educational level, and questions should be asked in a warm professional manner. Techniques including the use of toys, props, play and art are also very helpful when working with children since it is often times hard for them to verbally explain their thoughts and feelings. Through the practice of these proper techniques the outcomes of these interviews can lead to many advancements of information.

Before any interview takes place, the interviewer should have a clear understanding of what information it is they are looking to gain from the interview. For this to happen the therapist or interviewer should have a set of questions that are worded in such a way that is appropriate to the developmental stage of the child. The therapist should acquire as much information about the child as possible before the first initial meeting. This includes: age, special needs/disability, history of abuse, neglect and trauma, family and placement history, linguistic preference, nicknames, etc. This will help the therapist in their structure of the interview as well as give them a clear understanding of what developmental stage the child is in. (Faller, 2007)

Field observation often goes hand and hand with interviews especially when working with children. Many therapists find it effective to participate in some form of field observation before the initial interview in order to develop a better understanding of the child’s dynamics....