Forensic Interviewing and Age: Is it Time for a Change?

Boynton, Brianna; Lozano, Makaila

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/113532 Copy

Description

Title

Forensic Interviewing and Age: Is it Time for a Change?

Author(s)

• Boynton, Brianna
• Lozano, Makaila

Issue Date

2018

Keyword(s)

• Forensic Interviewing
• Children
• Adolescents

Abstract

Forensic interviewing protocol is constantly being updated and changed. New research has begun to identify the glaring blind spots in forensic interviewing protocol, particularly concerning the age of the child being interviewed. While interviewing protocol is modified every year, it is time to reevaluate forensic interviewing protocol and its effectiveness. Can forensic interviewing protocol be improved when focusing on younger aged children versus adolescents? While current interviewing protocol is a solid foundation of rules and suggestions, it is not perfect. Many children still struggle to disclose about instances of sexual assault because protocol is not tailored to them. If protocol were changed to accommodate age, or even gender, forensic interviewing could be a less traumatizing process for the child. Accommodating for age in protocol could greatly improve disclosure rates to ensure the child’s welfare. Although the research suggests these conclusions, it is vital to note the limitations of this study. The research conducted was limited to forensic interviewers and advocacy centers in the Illinois area; therefore, these findings may not be generalizable in all states. It is also relevant to note the sample size utilized was relatively small due to time constraint. The hope is this study will push places like Child Advocacy Centers to reevaluate protocol and meet the needs of children of different ages.

Publisher

University of Illinois School of Social Work

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/113532

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2020 Brianna Boynton and Makaila Lozano

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