Interviewing Children: The Science of Conversation in Forensic Contexts

Interviewing Children is an accessible guide for forensic interviewers, clinicians, attorneys, and other professionals who rely on children’s testimony. In this second edition, Poole and Dickinson present new thematic chapters on conversation habits, conventional content, and protocols for training. Highlights include: Sample dialogues that help flesh out and illustrate research-based recommendations for practice quick guides that synthesize core ideas and skills "Principles to Practice" sections that answer questions about child interviewing; and a comprehensive appendix of learning activities readers can use to sharpen their interviewing skills. The primary goal of all conversations with child witnesses is to help children describe events in their lives as completely, accurately, and unambiguously as they can. But common obstacles can make this task difficult, if not impossible. Interviewing Children offers a comprehensive look at the science of conversation with children in forensic contexts and provides the research-based tools and practices for navigating these obstacles.