What Would be Best, Psychologically When does developmental psychology say a child victim should be able to testify in the presence of an accuser? Below that age:(See Poole) Taped CAC Interview including: – Documented timeline of events from initial concern to CAC interview – Documented preparation for interview including alternative hypotheses Presented to court by CAC interviewer and cross examined Child would not testify

How does it happen in Indiana?

Cross examining the CAC interviewer

Cross examining the younger child

Cross examining the older child

An Ideal Sequence 1.Original concern leads to 2.Safety plan, reassurance and “incubation,” then 3.Preliminary, informal screening by a trained health or mental-health professional, Including timeline, context, alternative hypotheses and interview(s) of the child 4.If reason to suspect, professional informs Social Service hot line, then 5.Family system analysis by Social Services, including timeline and alternative hypotheses, to provide background for 6.Videotaped CAC interview with written report providing basis for decision about whether to proceed with 7.Police investigation