Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 3: Identifying and responding to concerns about children 97 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 Action 3.54 The interview is undertaken using an agreed protocol and incorporating robust planning. Wherever possible, to reduce the child’s anxiety about the process and minimise the risk of further traumatisation, there should only be one interviewer in the room with the child. The second interviewer would participate in the interview from a separate room, observing and contributing to the conduct of the interview. The lead interviewer has primary responsibility for leading the interview, asking questions and gathering information. 3.55 A child has a right to specify gender of the interviewer if the child is believed to have been the victim of particular offences as defined by the terms of section 8 of the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014; and this should be granted wherever possible. 3.56 For detailed roles and responsibilities see guidance on Joint Investigative Interviewing of Children in Scotland. Consent 3.57 The child must be helped to understand the purpose and process of the interview as part of preparation and support for willing engagement. The child’s consent is not explicitly required. Social workers and police officers have a duty to investigate as detailed in section 60 of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 and section 20 of the Police, Fire and Reform Act 2012. 3.58 The consent of a parent or guardian is not required prior to undertaking a Joint Investigative Interview. Through discussion they would be made aware that the interview is taking place unless there is a good reason not to, for example, where there are strong grounds to suspect that they are involved in the abuse. Where appropriate a parent or guardian can help to plan for the support the needs of the child during the interview. Recording 3.59 Joint Investigative Interviewers must be trained and competent in the use of recording equipment. Joint Investigative Interviews must be visually recorded unless there are specific reasons why this may be inappropriate for the individual child. These reasons should be noted. Authority and expertise 3.60 Joint Investigative Interviewers in Scotland will be trained to develop the specific understanding, knowledge and specialised skills required for the effective forensic interviewing of children and vulnerable witnesses. Core Professionals 3.61 Joint Investigative Interviews are planned for and undertaken by two interviewers, one police officer and one social worker. During the Joint Investigative Interview, one interviewer will take on the role of Lead Interviewer and one will take on the role of Second Interviewer. The lead interviewer may be from either police or social work and roles will be agreed at the planning stage after due consideration of all relevant factors.