OVC-ARC Riverside Online Professional Training Conference 9/9-9/29 2004

WORKSHOP INFORMATION FOR CEU CREDIT




Strategies For Effective Interaction & Interviewing - Children

Nora Baladerian, Ph.D.


Workshop Description:

This workshop will describe the pre-during-and post- forensic interview
strategies that will facilitate an effective and sensitive meeting with
children with disabilities.  Pre- interview factors include becoming
familiar with the type of disability the child has, learning when was the
onset of the disability, what is the cause of the disability, and how the
family has adapted to the disability.  In addition, ancillary information
will be necessary including others who play a role in the child's life, the
educational/academic program of the child, and any medical or therapeutic
interventions.  Finally, the communication and behavior modalities of the
child must be identified.  During the interview strategies for effective
communication, setting the child at ease and getting the information needed
will be described.  Following the interview it is crucial to assess the
interaction and identify next steps for protection and prosecution.

Course Outline
     I. Pre-Interview
    II. A.  Identify child's disability & Learn about it
              i. Consult with local disability specialist
             ii. Learn onset of disability
            iii. How did this affect the family
   III. B.  Identify communication & behavioral aspects of this child,
        arrange for an interpreter if needed.
              i. Communication:  Learn how others effectively communicate
             ii. Learn about any unusual behaviors and when they occur
    IV. C.  Identify significant changes in the child's life since the
        crime occurred
              i. Has the family constellation changed?
             ii. Has the child been punished or does the child feel
                 punished?
     V. During the Interview
    VI. A.  Setting
              i. Space considerations
             ii. Optimum versus basic
            iii. Planning for seating arrangement to include interpreter
         B. Interview Protocol
                    i. GREAT COP - mneumonic
                   ii. CREDO - philosophy
                                III.  Post Interview
                                     A. Interpretation of findings
                                                i. Consulting with the team
                                               ii. Consideration of
                                                   disability and other
                                                   contributing factors

                                     B. Determining next steps
                                          a. Protection
                                          b. Prosecution
                                          c. Interventions

Learning Objectives

    . Students will be able to describe at least 5 different types of
      disability
    . Students will be able to list at least 3 Pre/During/Post strategies
      that are particular to intervening and interviewing with children with
      disabilities
    . Students will be able to discuss the importance of including a
      disability specialist on the team for all interviews
    . Students will be able to identify different situations for which an
      interpreter may be needed