An interview is one of the most important procedural actions in criminal proceedings involving a child. It must obtain reliable information while safeguarding the child’s best interests and psychological wellbeing.
Particular care is required when the child is a victim of or witness to violence. Planning should reduce repeated questioning and the risk of repeated trauma.
Conditions for an effective interview
- coordinate the purpose and questions among the professionals involved;
- establish psychological contact with the child;
- discuss traumatic events sensitively, taking account of age and condition;
- keep the number and duration of interviews to the necessary minimum;
- adapt the approach to the child’s behaviour, needs and reactions.
What affects the result
Relevant factors include age, development, individual psychological characteristics, the impact of trauma, the interview setting, the emotional state of the child and accompanying adults, and the preparation of all professionals involved.
Good preparation includes choosing a safe setting, planning age-appropriate questions, preparing the child and coordinating everyone involved in the procedural action.