4.1.4   Interviewing

Question child, non-perpetrator parent/caretaker, alone initially, then together.

NOTE:  Whenever possible, question the victim, and non-perpetrator parent/caretaker before the alleged perpetrator.

Ascertain all facts relating to incident: how it happened, when, where, who was involved, witness(es) etc.  Be alert to discrepancies and/or changes in information.

Observe behavior during interviews including family interaction, non-verbal communication, and physical and behavioral indicators of abuse or neglect.

Related Subject:  Section 7, Chapter 18, Investigative Interviewing

NOTE:  The Children’s Services Supervisor shall assure the CSW demonstrates competence in interviewing skills, and seek assistance through supervisory channels when there is an identified training need that can’t be resolved using local resources.  Field Managers should assist the local county in accessing resources that can assist, including FCS consultants as available, Social Work Specialists, Quality Improvement and Field Support Unit.

4.1.4.1 Interviewing the Child(ren) Alone

Interview the alleged victim separately.

Observe condition of child in relation to allegations.  Ask child their version of how incident occurred.

Conduct superficial external examination of child if report indicates injuries from CA/N.

Related Subject:  Section 2, Chapter 4.1.3.1, Investigations Involving Reported Physical Injuries and Sexual Maltreatment

NOTE:  In completing a physical examination, the age of child and the sex of worker should be taken into consideration.  Caution and good judgment should be exercised.

Arrange for photographs if necessary.

Related Subject:  Section 2, Chapter 4, Attachment B, Videotaping of CA/N Victims

Diagram child's injuries if necessary.

NOTE:  Props used to interview children, i.e., anatomically correct dolls, puppets, drawing material, etc., may enhance the interview, but they should not minimize or replace the direct interview or the judgment of the CSW.

4.1.4.2  The Non-Perpetrating Parent(s)

Ask parent their version of how incident occurred.

If applicable, request address of non-custodial parent(s).  Inform custodial parent(s) that non-custodial parents will receive a CS-21.

Related Subject:  CS-21 Form and Instructions in the Forms Manual.

4.1.4.3 Contact with Household Children

CSW shall determine safety to other children in the family.  Repeat steps above pertaining to the safety assurance of the alleged victim if necessary.

4.1.4.4 Collaterals

Interview collaterals as needed to verify findings or to gain information not accessible from the family.

Staff shall make collateral contact(s), for all investigations/family assessments.  This contact shall be with someone other than the reporter and/or other household members.  The purpose of this contact is to provide staff with information concerning, but not limited to, the following:

• To locate family if family is not home;
• Child’s safety, health and well-being;
• Parenting/disciplining techniques;
• Parent/child interaction;
• Household condition;
• Additional household members;
• Changes in child’s/parent’s behavior;
• Current/potential supports for the family; and
• Validity of allegations

Possible collateral contacts may include, but not limited to:

• School professionals/School liaison (teacher, counselor, Principal, school nurse)
• Therapist/Counselor;
• Parent’s as Teachers Coordinator;
• Physician or other health care professional;
• Neighbor;
• Extended family member(s) not in the household.

NOTE:  The Children’s Service Worker shall exercise professional judgment in the selection of information sources.  To protect the family's right to privacy and the confidentiality of the report, the Children's Service Worker should not randomly interview the family's neighbors, friends, or other non-professional, non-related persons.  When it is necessary to disclose the nature of the investigation, disclosure should only include information that is absolutely necessary to complete the investigation.

Collateral contact shall correlate with the area of concern.  Staff should thoughtfully choose collateral contacts from among those people who have enough contact with the family and/or child to give pertinent information.  This collateral contact should be able to address a particular concern.  For example, if the CA/N report alleges an injury or medical condition, a professional health care provider, close family member or neighbor might be accessed.  If there are educational concerns reported, a teacher or school official might be contacted to gather pertinent information regarding the child.  If, during the investigation or family assessment, the parent indicates he/she is receiving help from a friend or family member, that person may provide additional information about family’s level of functioning and potential for continued support for the family. Numerous collaterals may be needed depending on the issues identified through the investigation or family assessment.  The Genogram or Ecomap, in the CD-14, may reveal appropriate people to use as collateral contacts.

NOTE:  Supervisors must assure that staff has contacted collaterals as required, and that the information provided by collateral sources has been given appropriate consideration.

4.1.4.5 The Alleged Perpetrator(s)

CSW shall interview alleged perpetrator.  Request other county's assistance as necessary.

NOTE:  The alleged perpetrator should be interviewed last.  This allows the investigator to confront him/her with the facts and evidence collected if he/she denies responsibility for the incident and abuse/neglect appears evident.