Child First Exam

Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome

S-secrecy H- helplessness E- entrapment&accommodation D- delayed/unconvincing disclosure R- retraction/recantation

Questions in court should be....

SIMPLE AND CONCRETE NOT ABSTRACT AND COMPLEX

Elicit fact based info about maltreatment events

Utilize sequencing Utilize child's drawings

Question type: cued recall

answer type: cued response

question type: option posing (multiple choice)

answer type: selected response

question type: suggestive

answer type: suggested response

question type: yes/no

answer type: yes/no response

Developmental block

child doesn't speak English ask for an interpreter

What is the most appropriate use of the anatomical dolls in an interview?

demonstrative aid

Motivational block

girl doesn't want to talk to a counselor tell them you are not a counselor and that you just want to make sure they are safe

how does age or ability affect recall

it enhances recall

how does trauma affect recall

it hinders recall

Give two examples of how an interviewer can be suggestive

language and behavior

Arguments for digital recording:

limits the need for multiple interviews improve skills of interviewer allows interviewer to focus on the interview

Arguments against digital recording:

mistakes by interviewer technical problems/cost may make child uncomfortable

Closure

provide respectful end to interview, address personal safety of child, address child's questions, and return child to neutral state

Transition to topic of concern

to provide structure to communicate about abuse

Describe 1 pretrial motions that can make testifying less stressful for children

use an age appropriate child friendly oath

explore details

use narrative to obtain details of abuse report, consider multiple forms of maltreatment, and explore alternative hypothesis

Between what ages does a child behind to develop the ability to make a representational shift?

3 or 4

Types of Disclosure:

Accidental- abuse revealed by chance Purposeful- child makes a conscious decision to report

Question type: Open Invitation

Answer type: Narrative Response

What is the overriding principal of the ChildFirst model?

The best interest of the child

Rapport

To orient the child to the interview and encourage narratives

Drawing can assist by...

Assisting communication Invite correction Credibility/evidence Invites correction Prod child's memory

Stages of Disclosure

Denial Tentative Active Recanting Reaffirming

Name 2 factors that a court may consider when evaluating the reliability of a child out of court statement

Developmentally unusual sexual knowledge Videotaped statements

Why is it important to understand the dynamics of CSSAS?

Essential to underhand how the child views his /her abuse and the dimensions of psychological maltreatment or manipulation Essential to understand they child's coping mechanisms Essential to understand reasons children disclose how/when they disclose Essential to be able to explain these dynamics

When considering the culture of the interview, please identify one thing that you can do to prepare your site

Have Brochures and signage in multiple

EXTRA CREDIT

IT'S NORMAL TO BE NORMAL

What are the stages and purpose for each stage of the Child First protocol

Rapport Transition to topic of concern Explore details Closure

2 Types of memory

Reconstructive and recognition