Joint Investigative Interview

The following pages provide information on what to expect if a child or young person you know is taking part in a Joint Investigative Interview. If you or the child would like to speak to a member of the Interview Team to find out more, please contact Duty Social Work on 01620 827 827.

Contents

About the Joint Investigative Interview

If a child or young person under the age of 18 has experienced or witnessed a crime, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, they may need to be interviewed as part of a Child Protection Investigation. 

In Scotland, the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) is used whilst conducting these interviews and are carried out by a specially trained Police Officer and Social Worker.

The interviews are trauma informed and tailored to meet the individual needs of the child or young person. This means Interviewers understand how the difficult life events someone experiences can impact how they behave and respond in certain situations and can also impact their ability to feel safe and form trusting relationships.

The interviews aim to create a safe environment where children and young people are empowered to share their account whilst reducing the risk of re-traumatisation.

 

Recording

These interviews are audio and video recorded. Recording the interview means that, should the investigation go to court, the recording can be played and the child may not have to attend. It's important to know, however, that this can't be guaranteed. Special measures can be put in place if a child or young person does have to attend court. 

 

Consent

A parent or carer's consent is not required for an interview to take place, however the child has to agree to take part in the interview.

If a child decides they do not want to take part in an interview but changes their mind at a later date, they can contact Police or Social Work at any time and request another interview is arranged.

Where appropriate, the child's parents/carers will be informed of the interview, fully involved in the planning process and appropriately updated of progress. This may not be possible if they are thought to be involved in the abusive event or concerns being reported. 

 

Next Steps

Once a child has given their account of what has happened, Interviewers have a Debrief Discussion with relevant Police and Social Work colleagues and next steps are agreed.

Safety plans will be updated and follow up supports will also be discussed and offered to the child and their family.