Sample interview questions: How do you handle situations where an interviewee may be a minor or have limited legal capacity?
Sample answer:
When faced with situations where the interviewee may be a minor or have limited legal capacity, as a forensic interviewer, it is crucial to approach the situation with sensitivity, empathy, and a thorough understanding of the legal and ethical considerations involved. Here are some strategies and considerations for handling such situations:
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Establish rapport and trust: It is essential to create a safe and comfortable environment for the interviewee, regardless of their age or legal capacity. Building rapport is crucial in order to encourage open communication and ensure that the interviewee feels supported throughout the process.
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Tailor the interview approach: When interviewing minors or individuals with limited legal capacity, it is important to adapt the interview techniques to their cognitive and emotional abilities. This may involve simplifying questions, using age-appropriate language, or providing visual aids to aid comprehension.
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Use appropriate questioning techniques: Employing developmentally appropriate questioning techniques is crucial to elicit accurate and reliable information. For minors, open-ended questions, prompts, and non-leading techniques are often more effective in obtaining comprehensive and reliable information.
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Involve support persons: In situations involving minors or individuals with limited legal capacity, it may be necessary to involve support persons such as parents, guardians, or advocates. Their presence can provide comfort and help facilitate effective communication, ensuring the interviewee’s rights and well-being are protected.
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Understand legal and ethical guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the legal and ethical guidelines specific to interviewing minors or individuals with limited legal capacity in your jurisdiction. This includes knowledge of consent requirements, confidentiality laws, and reporting o… Read full answer
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