What approach should be taken when interviewing a child?

When interviewing a child, the recommended approach is to avoid suggestive answers and keep questions open. This method respects the child’s perspective and encourages them to express themselves freely without feeling led or pressured to provide specific responses. Open-ended questions allow children to share their thoughts and experiences in their own words, fostering a more accurate and honest dialogue.

Using suggestive questions can inadvertently lead the child to a particular answer, compromising the integrity of the interview and possibly resulting in unreliable information. Similarly, adult-like questioning may intimidate the child or lead to confusion, while simple language positively impacts the child’s understanding but does not necessarily promote the kind of detailed responses needed in an interview setting. Therefore, the approach of keeping questions open and avoiding any suggestion is critical in ensuring that the child feels safe and empowered to share their story candidly. This method also aligns well with best practices in child psychology and legal interviewing techniques, aiming for clarity and genuineness in the child’s responses.