Interviewing the Non-Offending Parent in Child Abuse Investigations

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: This training is designed for lineworkers whose job responsibilities include information gathering from a parent or parents whose child or children are believed to be victims of child maltreatment.

Intended Objectives:

• The student will understand the importance of prior planning in conducting an effective investigative interview with a parent/caretaker not believed to be involved with the maltreatment of his or her child.
• The student will be able to describe the importance of understanding the family history and cultural background in preparing for and conducting the investigative interview with the “non-offending” parent/caretaker.
• The student will understand the importance of research in identifying and handling the reactions of mothers whose children have allegedly be maltreated by their partner/s or other family member.
• The student will be able to identify methods of handling denial as exhibited by a “non-offending” parent/caretaker during the investigative interview.
• The student will be able to demonstrate how to design and conduct a competent investigative interview with a “non-offending” parent/caretaker.
• When presented with a scenario, the student will be able to assess the statement provided by a “non-offending” parent/caretaker in terms of safety and risk to the child and/or children.

Topics Include:

• What is a “non-offending” parent or caretaker?
• What are the considerations a worker should take into account prior to conducting an interview with a “non-offending” parent or caretaker.
• How cultural issues influence parental or caretaker responses to allegations of child
  maltreatment.
• How the type or types of maltreatment alleged influence responses by the “nonoffending” parent or caretaker.
• Research findings concerning “non-offending” mothers whose children have disclosed sexual abuse.
• Planning and conducting a competent investigative interview with the “nonoffending” parent or caretaker.
• Anticipating and handling potential responses to the allegation/disclosure.
• Identification and addressing denial types
  Post interview assessment and decision making regarding credibility of statements provided and safety and risk to the child or children.

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.1 Student demonstrates respect, fairness, and cultural competence in assessing, working with, and making service decisions regarding clients of diverse backgrounds.

1.2 Student demonstrates self-awareness and the ability to address and overcome personal bias in assessing and working with clients of diverse backgrounds.

1.6 Student understands the influence and value of traditional, culturally-based child rearing practices and uses this knowledge in working with families.

3.1 Student is able to practice basic principals and techniques of interviewing children and families for purposes of assessment, intervention, and service planning.

3.3 Student is able to identify the major family, health, and social factors contributing to child abuse and neglect, as well as positive factors that act to preserve the family and protect the child.

3.4 Student recognizes and accurately identifies the physical and behavioral indicators of abuse, family violence, and neglect, and can assess the dynamics underlying these behaviors.