What approach should be taken when interviewing a child?

When interviewing a child, it is essential to avoid suggestive answers and keep questions open to elicit reliable and accurate information. This approach allows the child to express themselves freely, without being influenced by leading questions that may impact their responses. By maintaining an open structure, the interviewer can create a comfortable environment where the child feels safe to share their thoughts and feelings.

Using open-ended questions encourages the child to elaborate on their experiences rather than providing short or yes/no answers. This technique is particularly important in a legal or investigative context, where the goal is to gather factual information without introducing bias.

The use of simple language and direct questions is supportive but should not come at the expense of ensuring that the child can express themselves without leading the interviewer to specific answers. Maintaining this careful balance fosters trust and promotes clearer communication, which is crucial in understanding the child's perspective accurately.