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
