Description

An interview protocol provides a structure for the conversation with the child intended to maximize the quality and quantity of information elicited. While there is no one recognized interview structure, there is consensus regarding many of the stages that should be included (rapport, interview instructions, narrative practice, transition to the topic of concern, gathering details, clarification, and closure). The selection of a specific interview structure will be influenced by the preferences and professional background of an individual interviewer, Child Advocacy Center and Multi-Disciplinary Team guidelines, accepted community practice, recognized standards of practice, and available research on questioning effects and interview structure.  Research on the training and supervision of Child Forensic Interviewers (CFI) clearly shows that a one-week intensive training program helps interviewers understand what they should be doing, but does not change behaviors of the interviewer. Practice with reflection of one’s work and feedback from peers or supervisors offers the opportunity to integrate the adopted interview structure. 

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