Reference no: EM134011479
Assignment:
The focus of this section is on interviewing children from the perspective of a multidisciplinary team. You will take what you have learned about intervention by Child Protective Services, how it differs from the law enforcement response, and consider how the two work together in the initial contact after a hotline complaint is made. In most cases, children who are suspected to be victims of serious physical or sexual abuse are interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center by a forensic interviewer.
But the social worker must start with a minimal facts interview.
For purposes of this assignment, consider this fact pattern below.
Charlotte has made allegations that Tyrone, mother's boyfriend sexually abused her. The mother reported the matter to the police, who then notified child protective services through the child abuse hotline. Intervention begins as social workers and law enforcement make initial contact with the family, who are certainly in crisis. Typically, the victim will be interviewed first and in many jurisdictions, the forensic interview is used in cases like this, but as a police officer or social worker, you may be called upon to interview yourself.
If you are the child protective worker who is assigned to respond to this incident report, what strategy would you employ for your initial interview with Charlotte? What issues must be considered when interviewing a child who has possibly been the victim of maltreatment?
If you are the law enforcement officer who responds to this incident with the social worker, would you employ the same strategy that the social worker utilizes to interview Charlotte, or do you have a different focus?
Give an example of several questions a social worker might ask and explain what you hope to gain from each question.
Be prepared to explain how Charlotte's age, development and possible resistance to answering the questions might factor into the development of the questions you will ask Charlotte.
In your responsive posts comment on the the questions at least three of your classmates have presented. What is the purpose of the question and do you agree with the nature and purpose of the questions. Why?