5.3.9 Interviewing the Child Alone

Staff shall interview the child separately from his/her family when conducting a family assessment.  The worker may explain the agency’s responsibility to secure information from named participants in the report, along with other persons/facilities, in order to determine safety and complete a thorough assessment.  The specific circumstances of the family assessment will dictate whether the child interview will happen before or after the family interview.  The private interview with the child does not preclude him/her from the family interview session.  If the family refuses to allow a child to be interviewed separately from the family, the report can change tracks and become an investigation.  If this track change occurs, investigation protocols will be followed, such as contacting local law enforcement for an assist.

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, Children’s Service Specialists, Quality Improvement and Field Support Staff.