Chapter VIII:Protective Services 1409- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

VII. INTERVIEWING CHILDREN

The interview with the non-offending parent/adult victim should provide an understanding of the situation within the family and the level of danger to the child and the non-offending parent/adult victim. If there is extreme danger for the non-offending parent/adult victim and/or the children, and the children have learned to survive by identifying with the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence, (can not keep confidential information from the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence) direct questioning of children may be postponed until safety can be achieved. This determination comes from an interview with the non-offending parent/adult victim and completion of the Safety Assessment. It is expected that the majority of cases will not present with extreme danger. Postponing the interview with the child will be the exception and not the rule. In extremely dangerous situations, the interview should occur when an appropriate safety response has been developed with the non-offending parent/adult victim. It is important to remember that initiation of a CPS assessment is defined by North Carolina Administrative Code as “having face-to-face contact with the alleged victim child or children” (10A NCAC 70A .0105). When the interview with the non-offending parent/adult victim and the completion of the Safety Assessment indicate extreme risk and a decision is made to delay interviewing the child, documentation should reflect what steps were taken to identify the risk of harm to the child. Safety of the child always comes first. The safety of children is closely linked to the safety of the non-offending parent/adult victim. Documentation in the case record must reflect of the reasons for the postponement. Once safety is assured, all required face-to-face interviews must be conducted.

Every child reacts differently when exposed to domestic violence. Some children develop debilitating conditions, while others show no negative effects from the exposure to violence. As a result, it is important to interview the children regarding their involvement and/or exposure to domestic violence, their general safety and well-being. It is important to recognize that older children are more likely to minimize reports of parental fighting. Younger children may be more spontaneous and less guarded with the information they share.

Do not disclose information obtained from the non-offending parent/adult victim concerning the source of information, or any information concerning the non-offending parent/adult victim’s safety plan during the interview with the child. Information obtained from the non-offending parent/adult victim must not be shared with anyone, especially the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence, in such a manner that may jeopardize the safety of the child or the non-offending parent/adult victim. Any disclosures, including information that may seem inconsequential, specifically information about the non-offending/adult victim’s whereabouts and/or schedule if he or she has left the home/relationship, can place the child and non-offending parent/adult victim in grave danger.

Case specific circumstances may necessitate the completion of an additional Safety Assessment, and development of a safety response after the interview with the child(ren) alleged to be victims of abuse, neglect, or dependency.