Interviewing Traumatised Children

Presented by: Karen GabrielLEGAL AID NSW CHILD REPESENTATION CONFERENCE

MAY 2012

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On hope and opportunity for change for traumatised children: :

Dr Bruce Perry “The hallmarks of transforming therapeutic interaction are

safety, predictability and nurturance. The most ‘therapeutic’ interactions often come from people who have no training (or interest) in psychological or psychiatric labels, theories or treatment and adult expectations of the child that go with these. In interacting with the child, respect, humour and flexibility can allow the child to be valued as what they are”.

Bruce .D Perry, MD, PHDThe Child Trauma AcademyVideo Series 1“Understanding Traumatised and Maltreated children: The Core Concepts”www.childtrauma.org

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Planning the interview

• What information do you already have about the child/children’s experiences?

• Who else can you talk to about the child? Parents, carers, teachers, counsellors, FACS caseworker, family consultant

• Do you need to interview the child?• Will you interview the child on your own? Or

with someone else? (counsellor, family consultant)

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Place of interview

• Privacy for the child

• Child friendly interview room

• Prepare yourself: Life for traumatised children is often chaotic and you need to be a calm adult

• Allow sufficient time: you can’t rush

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The interview

• Build rapport/ engage and get to know the child• No set formula: games, physical activity, drawing,

talking • Use developmentally appropriate language,

recognise potential for impaired cognitive functioning

• Be clear about the purpose of your interview and explain to the child

• Monitor the child’s behaviour and provide appropriate boundaries and limits for unsafe behaviour

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The Interview

• Explain Child Representative role

• Explain limits of interview, including confidentiality

• Opportunity for the child to ask questions

• Obtain views of the child about their circumstances (as appropriate)

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The interview

• Know your limitations• You need to respect that some children will not

want to talk to you • Don’t open “a can of worms” you are not

experienced to deal with• Listen to and reassure the child• Seek further advice if you need to • Be mindful of disclosure of new information

from the child and potential conflict in becoming a witness

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Ending the interview

• Summarise for the child the main points of discussion

• Check with the child that you have understood

• Be clear about your future role? What happens next?

• Importantly, be truthful and make no false promises to the child