L8

FORENSIC INTERVIEWS FOR BILINGUAL CHILDREN:

A GUIDE TO CONDUCTING CULTURALLY COMPETENT, LEGALLY DEFENSIBLE FORENSIC INTERVIEWS IN ENGLISH

Presenters: Ale Levi, Diane Siegel

Abstract Category: Interviewing  

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Presentation: Click Here

Description:      

This workshop will provide English speaking forensic interviewers with tools for working with children whose primarily language is Spanish.

Abstract:

This presentation is based on the forensic interviewing model created by the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center and will be geared towards English speaking interviewers who work with Spanish speaking children.  The presentation will focus on these issues by:

(1) identifying and understanding cultural strengths and challenges and

(2) maintaining the integrity of an investigation while meeting a child's language needs in the least traumatic, culturally sensitive, non-threatening and child friendly manner. 

Due to the fact that the child’s primary language may be Spanish and the forensic interview may be conducted in Spanish, the presenters will describe and make recommendation for the use of interpreters.  Specific topics will include

(1) strategies for working with and engaging children who may be fearful and/or resistant to share personal information outside of the family circle and

(2) common misinterpretations and misunderstanding of the Spanish language in child sexual abuse cases.

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