Investigative Interviewing of Young Children

Level: Advanced Practice—Lineworker

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: New and current child welfare personnel who want to enhance their skills in interviewing young children

Intended Objectives:

• •To learn various techniques for interviewing young children who have had potentially traumatic experiences

Topics Include:

• Developmental/Linguistic Considerations
• Interview Phases
• Question Design/Role Plays
• Interviewing Reluctant Children
• Interviewing Victims with Developmental Disabilities
• Cultural Considerations in Interviewing
• Bizarre Elements of Children’s Disclosures
• Use of Communication Aids

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.4 Student can develop relationships, obtain information, and communicate in a culturally sensitive way.

3.4 Student conducts effective casework interviews.

3.9 Student uses a variety of methods and strategies to interview and elicit information from children and adolescents that are age appropriate and consistent with social work values and ethics.

4.1 Student understands children’s developmental needs and how developmental level affects a child’s perception of events, coping strategies, and physical and psychological responses to stress and trauma.