Evaluation for Sexual Abuse

Professionals called upon to interview children about alleged sexual abuse must possess a solid understanding of both legal and clinical issues. What are the most appropriate techniques for eliciting reliable accounts of children's experience? How should evaluators structure the interview to avoid legal challenges to their findings? This video from child abuse evaluation expert Kathleen Faller is ideal viewing for mental health and child protection professionals, lawyers, judges, and law enforcement personnel. Vignettes from simulated and actual child interviews guide viewers through sensitively gathering both general and abuse-focused information in a manner that is legally defensible. Faller shows how to gauge children's ability to report events accurately; which kinds of questions to ask and which to avoid; and how to use anatomical drawings and dolls appropriately. Viewers also see how Faller's multidisciplinary evaluation team works collaboratively to arrive at a final determination. The companion manual features supplemental information, role play scenarios and skills exercises, findings on children's memory and suggestibility, resource listings, and references for further reading.