Certified Case Manager Practice Test

What distinguishes forensic interviews from other types of child interviews?

1. The use of structured questioning techniques

2. The presence of legal representatives

3. The focus on educational outcomes

4. The format in which they are conducted

The correct answer is: The use of structured questioning techniques

The distinguishing factor of forensic interviews lies in the use of structured questioning techniques. These techniques are specifically designed to gather accurate and reliable information from children about potential abuse or witnessing of a crime. The approach minimizes the risk of suggestive questioning, leading questions, or other biases that could distort a child's responses. Structured questioning provides clear guidelines for interviewers, ensuring that questions are open-ended and neutral, which helps to elicit factual information rather than opinions or interpretations. This methodology is crucial in forensic contexts, as the data collected may be used in legal proceedings where the integrity of the information is paramount. Other types of child interviews may lack this level of structure or may focus on different objectives, such as educational assessments, where the questioning might not be as rigorously controlled. The presence of legal representatives or the format in which interviews are conducted may vary in different contexts but are not inherently unique characteristics of forensic interviews compared to other types. Thus, the emphasis on structured questioning techniques is what distinctly categorizes forensic interviews.