List the steps taken to interview a suspected juvenile sex offender. What role should social services agencies play?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Step 1: Introduction: Explain to the juvenile who you are and why you are speaking with him or
her. Establish credibility with the child by telling him or her that you frequently talk with people
about things that have happened with children and families.
Step 2: Rapport-building: This is an important step for the juvenile interrogation as well as an
interview. Provide the juvenile with reasons why he or she might speak with you. Include the
statement that the purpose of the interview is to learn the truth.
Step 3: Background: Explore information about the juvenile including family composition,
criminal history, and employment history. During this phase the interrogator is gaining
information about the functioning level of the juvenile. Determine the general educational level,
linguistic comprehension, comprehension about the process, and the presence of mental health
issues. Verify the relationship of the victim to the offender and the circumstances under which
access was gained to that child. Obtain an understanding of the typical eye contact and body
language of the juvenile when discussing general topics.
Step 4: Allegation: Explain the allegation in very general terms; do not use legal language or
speak above the level of understanding for the juvenile.
Step 5: Questioning: Ask the juvenile to explain the criminal acts that are under investigation.
Move from general questions about specific topics to abuse-focused questions. Note the changes
in body language and eye contact that may occur in response to specific questions or areas of
inquiry. Note consistencies and inconsistencies with what is already known about the allegation.
Step 6: Closure: End the interrogation as you would an interview. Assure the juvenile that you
appreciate his or her honesty even though the subject is difficult to talk about. Leave it open that
you may want to speak with him or her again. Provide the supporting parent or guardian with
information without going into detailed sexual behaviors. Take the time to answer questions for
the parent or guardian.
Police officers have an additional legal responsibility in cases of sexual abuse, even when
the perpetrator is a juvenile. In all states and the District of Columbia, a report must be filed with
the appropriate social services agency on suspected child victims of abuse or neglect. Mandated
reporters file the names and addresses of all victims discovered through a sexual abuse
investigation.