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Lee S. Effect of age, temperament, and drawing activity on the suggestibility of children. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04308-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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Zumbach J, Brubacher SP, Davis F, de Ruiter C, Ireland JL, McNamara K, October M, Saini M, Volbert R, Laajasalo T. International perspective on guidelines and policies for child custody and child maltreatment risk evaluations: A preliminary comparative analysis across selected countries in Europe and North America. Front Psychol 2022; 13:900058. [PMID: 36275299 PMCID: PMC9586013 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.900058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Little knowledge exists on how evaluators in child custody and child maltreatment cases are informed by guidelines, the kinds of qualifications required and the types of training provided in different countries. The purpose of this paper is to provide an international preliminary comparison on how child custody and child maltreatment risk assessments are conducted in selected Western countries, and how the assessments are informed by best practice guidelines. Another aim is to increase knowledge on how the guidelines and best-practice standards could be developed further to reflect recent research findings. A total number of 18 guidelines were included in the analyses: four from Canada, five from the United States, three from the United Kingdom, three from the Netherlands, two from Finland, and one from Germany. We conducted a content analysis of the included guidelines in the database, focusing on how the guidelines address the best interest of the child criteria, guidelines for conducting the assessments, considerations for evaluative criteria, and specific guidance for conducting specific assessment procedures (e.g., interviews and observations). Findings show that the qualifications of and training provided to evaluators in child custody and child maltreatment risk evaluations are largely heterogeneous across the countries represented. Guidelines differ in whether and how they highlight the importance of evidence-based practices and scientifically validated assessment measures. Implications are drawn from the review and contextualized by international expert authors in the fields of forensic psychology, and family law. After the content analysis, discussion sessions within the expert group were held. The authors provide both commentaries and suggestions to improve the development of standard methods for conducting both child custody and child maltreatment risk evaluations and to consider a more transparent and judicious use of social science research to guide methods and the recommendations offered within these assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Zumbach
- Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Jelena Zumbach,
| | - Sonja P. Brubacher
- Centre for Investigative Interviewing, Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Frank Davis
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts California Chapter, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Corine de Ruiter
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Martta October
- Special Services, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Saini
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Renate Volbert
- Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Taina Laajasalo
- Special Services, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Chung KL, Ding IL, Sumampouw NEJ. Police's and victim care officers' beliefs about memory and investigative interviewing with children: Survey findings from Malaysia. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li Chung
- University of Reading Malaysia
- University of Reading
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Wolfman M, Brown D, Jose P. The use of visual aids in forensic interviews with children. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN MEMORY AND COGNITION 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Rivard JR, Schreiber Compo N. Self-Reported Current Practices in Child Forensic Interviewing: Training, Tools, and Pre-Interview Preparation. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2017; 35:253-268. [PMID: 28581153 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In child sexual abuse investigations, forensic interviewers within the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) model serve as neutral fact-finders for a team of professionals tasked with investigating and intervening in cases of alleged child sexual abuse. Although empirical evidence has led to the development of best-practice techniques and protocols, there is currently no universally adopted protocol in the field. The present research gathered detailed information from a national sample of real-world child forensic interviewers about their training and current practices, with a specific focus on assessing the information interviewers typically review prior to conducting child forensic interviews. Most notably, the survey revealed a lack of uniformity in interviewing protocols adopted and pre-interview preparation practices. Although rare, some interviewers reported using an allegation-blind interviewing approach, highlighting the need for future research on this and other under-studied techniques. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Rowback Rivard
- Department of Psychology, Barry University, 11300 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL, 33161, USA
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Burrows KS, Bearman M, Dion J, Powell MB. Children's use of sexual body part terms in witness interviews about sexual abuse. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2017; 65:226-235. [PMID: 28189960 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
For successful prosecution, investigative interviews with child sexual abuse victims need to establish the nature of the alleged offence by determining the body parts that were involved. To date, however, there has been a paucity of research on the extent to which children clearly identify sexual body parts in interviews and how they respond to interviewers' attempts to clarify ambiguous terms. The present study sought to explore children's use of sexual body part terms in field interviews, and their responses to questions aimed at clarifying ambiguous terms. Analyses were conducted on 161 transcripts of field interviews with children aged 4-17 years old, coding for the content of interviewers' questions and of children's responses. Results revealed that many children, even some in their late teens, struggled to provide clear terms for their sexual body parts, either initially, or when asked to provide an alternate term. Questions about body part location or function tended to elicit content appropriate responses in children, irrespective of age. The study discusses the capacity (or willingness) of children to provide clear body part terms in witness interviews and the utility of particular questions. The findings imply a need for caution when following up on the meaning of terms or asking particular clarifying questions, and highlight the importance of childhood education around body parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberlee S Burrows
- Centre for Investigative Interviewing, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Madeleine Bearman
- Centre for Investigative Interviewing, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | | | - Martine B Powell
- Centre for Investigative Interviewing, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Otgaar H, de Ruiter C, Howe ML, Hoetmer L, van Reekum P. A Case Concerning Children's False Memories of Abuse: Recommendations Regarding Expert Witness Work. PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND LAW : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW 2016; 24:365-378. [PMID: 31983961 PMCID: PMC6818307 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2016.1230924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Expert witnesses can play a major role in legal cases concerning the reliability of statements. Abuse cases frequently contain only the memories of eyewitnesses/victims without the presence of physical evidence. Here, it is of the utmost importance that expert witnesses use scientific evidence for their expert opinion. In this case report, a case is described in which 20 children reported being sexually abused by the same teachers at their elementary school. The investigative steps that were taken by the police and school authorities are reviewed, including how they probably affected memory. In order to provide a sound expert opinion regarding the reliability of these statements, three recommendations are proposed. To reduce the effect of confirmation bias and increase objectivity, it is argued that expert witnesses' reports should contain alternative scenarios, be checked by another expert, and focus on the origin and context of the first statement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Otgaar
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
- City University of London, UK
| | - Corine de Ruiter
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Mark L. Howe
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
- City University of London, UK
| | - Lisanne Hoetmer
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Patricia van Reekum
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
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Brown DA, Lamb ME. Can Children Be Useful Witnesses? It Depends How They Are Questioned. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/cdep.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Waugh W, Brownell C. Development of Body Part Vocabulary in Toddlers in Relation to Self-Understanding. EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND CARE 2015; 185:1166-1179. [PMID: 26195850 PMCID: PMC4505369 DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2014.983915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
To better understand young children's ability to communicate about their bodies, toddlers' comprehension and production of 27 common body part words was assessed using parental report at 20 and 30 months (n = 64), and self-awareness was assessed using mirror self-recognition. Children at both ages comprehended more body part words that referred to themselves than to others' bodies, and more words referring to locations that they could see on themselves than to those they could not see. Children with more advanced mirror self-recognition comprehended and produced more body part words. These findings suggest that with age and better understanding of the self, children also possess a better understanding of the body, and they provide new information about factors that affect how young children begin to talk about their own and others' bodies. They should be useful for practitioners who need to ask children about their bodies and body parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Waugh
- 3319 Sennott Square, University of Pittsburgh, 210 S. Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, TEL: 412.624-4554
| | - Celia Brownell
- 3319 Sennott Square, University of Pittsburgh, 210 S. Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, TEL: 412.624-4554
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Buck JA, Warren AR, Bruck M, Kuehnle K. How common is "common knowledge" about child witnesses among legal professionals? Comparing interviewers, public defenders, and forensic psychologists with laypeople. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2014; 32:867-883. [PMID: 25475918 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluates the knowledge of jury-eligible college students (n = 192), investigative interviewers (n = 44), forensic psychologists (n = 39), and public defenders (n = 137) in regard to the research on interviewing children. These groups' knowledge was compared with the scientific research on the impact of interview techniques and practices on the accuracy of child witnesses. Jury-eligible students were the least knowledgeable, but their accuracy varied widely across items. Both interviewers and public defenders performed better than jury-eligible students, but they lacked substantial knowledge about the research on interviewing children on certain topics (e.g., using anatomically detailed dolls); forensic psychologists were the most knowledgeable. These findings suggest that professionals in the legal system need substantial professional development regarding the research on interviewing strategies with child witnesses. They also highlight the need for experts to provide case-relevant information to juries who lack basic information about the validity and reliability of children's reports.
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Chae Y, Goodman GS, Larson RP, Augusti EM, Alley D, VanMeenen KM, Culver M, Coulter KP. Children’s memory and suggestibility about a distressing event: The role of children’s and parents’ attachment. J Exp Child Psychol 2014; 123:90-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2012] [Revised: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Teoh YS, Pipe ME, Johnson ZH, Lamb ME. Eliciting accounts of alleged child sexual abuse: how do children report touch? JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2014; 23:792-803. [PMID: 25101533 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2014.950400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Investigative interviewers frequently question alleged victims of child sexual abuse about any touching or bodily contact that might have occurred. In the present study of forensic interviews with 192 alleged sexual abuse victims, between 4 and 13 years of age, we examined the frequency with which alleged victims reported bodily contact as "touch" and the types of prompts associated with "touch" reports. Even young alleged victims of sexual abuse reported bodily contact as "touch," and they used the word "touch" more frequently in response to recall than recognition prompts. Regardless of age, children typically referred to "touch" before interviewers used this term, suggesting that even young children are able to report "touch" without being cued by interviewers.
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Macleod E, Gross J, Hayne H. The Clinical and Forensic Value of Information that Children Report While Drawing. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.2936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Macleod
- Department of Psychological Medicine; University of Otago; Dunedin; New Zealand
| | - Julien Gross
- Psychology Department; University of Otago; Dunedin; New Zealand
| | - Harlene Hayne
- Psychology Department; University of Otago; Dunedin; New Zealand
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Morgan K, Dorgan K, Hayne H. Body maps do not facilitate older children's report of touch. Scand J Psychol 2012; 54:51-5. [PMID: 23121481 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In a single experiment, we assessed the effect of body maps on reports of touch by 5- and 6-year-olds, 9- and 10-year-olds, and adults. Children and adults participated in a staged event in which they were touched four times. Immediately following the event, children and adults were asked to either show using a body map or show using their own body where they had been touched. Consistent with prior research, body maps were ineffective with 5- and 6-year-olds. Furthermore, although older children and adults reported more touches and were more accurate than younger children, body maps did not enhance the quality of their reports. We conclude that the provision of a body map does not facilitate reports of touch by any age group, raising serious questions about their use in forensic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie Morgan
- Psychology Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Poole DA, Bruck M. Divining Testimony? The Impact of Interviewing Props on Children's Reports of Touching. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2012; 32:165-180. [PMID: 23144526 DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
There is a long-held assumption that objects help bridge the gap between what children know and what they can (or are willing to) explain. In this review, we present research on the extent to which two types of objects used as props in investigative interviews of children, anatomical dolls and body (human figure) diagrams, actually help children report accurate information about autobiographical events. We explain why available research does not instill confidence that props are the best solution to interviewing challenges, and we consider practitioners' and policy-makers responses to this evidence. Finally, we discuss the types of developmental research that are necessary to advance the field of evidence-based interviewing of children.
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Salmon K, Pipe ME, Malloy A, Mackay K. Do Non-Verbal Aids Increase the Effectiveness of ‘Best Practice’ Verbal Interview Techniques? An Experimental Study. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.1835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Salmon
- School of Psychology; Victoria University of Wellington; Wellington; New Zealand
| | | | - Alana Malloy
- School of Psychology; Victoria University of Wellington; Wellington; New Zealand
| | - Katherine Mackay
- School of Psychology; Victoria University of Wellington; Wellington; New Zealand
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