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

Interview Structure

There are different phases to the Joint Investigative Interview which Interviewers will work through with the child:

 

Introductory Phases

The beginning stages of the interview are used to help the child feel more comfortable and relaxed speaking with the Interviewers in what can be an unfamiliar style of communication with adults or people in authority.

Interviewers will try to get to know the child better by asking them about their hobbies and interests and give them an opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

Rules are also explained to the child which include asking if they do not understand a question, telling the Interviewer if they do not know the answer to a question and correcting the Interviewer if they have said something wrong.

Lastly the child will be asked to speak about an event that they have enjoyed recently and will be asked further questions about it. This helps the child get used to the types of questions that will be asked during the interview.

 

Substantive Phase

This phase of the interview is the where the child is given the opportunity to report as much information about the reported event or concern as possible.

The child can take as many breaks as they require.

 

Ending the Interview

This phase of the interview ensures the child has nothing else to report and gives them another opportunity to ask any questions or share any concerns they have.