Developmental Considerations and Interviewing Techniques in Adolescent Investigations of Sexual Abuse

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker, Supervisor

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: This training is designed for social workers who have completed a basic training for child interviewing and are responsible for conducting interviews with adolescents as part of their practice

Note: Prior attendance at the Academy’s Institute for the Investigative Interviewing of Children is required for the session if it is designated as “Booster”

Intended Objectives:

• Trainees will increase self awareness regarding the effects of personal development, experiences, and family dynamics when assessing and intervening in sexual abuse cases involving adolescents.
• Trainees will understand how developmental issues directly affect and contribute to adolescent victimization.
• Trainees will identify disclosure issues and their relevance to the investigation.
• Trainees will identify interviewer skills and attributes useful to interventions with adolescents.
• Trainees will observe and practice questioning techniques and rapport building, utilizing actual interview excerpts, with adolescents and differentiate between those employed with younger children.

Topics Include:

• Physiological development of adolescents
• Sexual abuse disclosure issues
• Developmental issues that affect information gathering
• Interviewer skills with adolescents

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

3.1.1 Student demonstrates understanding of the stages, processes, and milestones of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children.

6.4 Student demonstrates skill in interviewing children and adolescents for assessments, interventions and forensic purposes.

7.3 Student demonstrates understanding of the dynamics of teen sexuality and gender identity.

7.6.1 Student can apply theories of human development and organizational change in developing intervention plans with clients.