1. Introduction to
Child Interviewing

2. Objectives Compare & contrast child & adult interviews.
Child Interviews
Objectives
Compare & contrast child & adult interviews.
Explain how to engage & interview the child.
Describe developmental considerations for child interviews.

3. Stages of the Child Interview
Preparation
Engagement
The Interview
Closing

4. Preparation
IFF
… on going monthly visit

5. Preparation – Consider Purpose: IFF
Decide if maltreatment occurred.
Assess the child’s immediate safety.
Obtain relevant information that can be used in making safety decisions.
Attend to the emotional care and comfort of the child.

6. Preparation – Consider Purpose: Monthly Visit
Whether the child feels safe in their home or placement
The child's needs, wants and progress
Visits with siblings and parents
Case activities and planning such as visits and permanent plan.
Assessment information for immediate and long-term intervention plans.

7. Preparation –Background Info
Review of the visitation notes.
Review of notes from any of the services that the child is participating in.
Information on progress from school.

8. Preparation –Consider Child’s Development
Understanding the developmental characteristics of the child will help determine the type of information you will be able to glean from the child, and what behaviors would be considered normal or of concern for a child of that age.

9. Engagement
Greeting
Note Taking?
Light Conversation
Assess Development

10. The Interview Eye Contact/Body Language Discuss Reason for Interview
Ground Rules
Interviewing Techniques

11. Closing Praise the child’s efforts, not specific content
Reassure the child without making any untrue statements, or false promises
Offer support
Invite questions
Explain what will happen next/what to expect.

13. Young Children’s Thought Processes
Concepts of numbers, time, assumptions, perspective, causality/magical thinking, & misunderstandings develop gradually