Child abuse ..............................No not the McCans?

Question

I have just visited my friend who has told me that one of her family members has touched her daughters in a unappropriate way. She states that the daughters aged 11 and 17 were interviewed by the police (woman) without anyone there to support the child
I thought a adult had to be there to support, comfort and witness the interview

this is in Great Britain and the parents may be used as witnesses

thanks for answers

Thanks everyone you really helped alot

That includes the contributor with just the one brain cell
you did make me smile!

Answer 1

Sometimes it is best to interview the children without a parent so that they feel more able to explain what happened without embarrassment. When the police do this they perform a test called "Gillick Competency", which is essentially whether they think the child can handle the interview on their own, bearing in mind that they have not done anything wrong.

If the parents might be witnesses, it is doubly important that they are not present at the interview as they may be witnesses of fact. If they were present it may damage the amount of weight the hury place on what they say, meaning that the jury may acquit.

It is safer this way

Answer 2

Actually NO, Not at all in fact law enforcement as well as departments such as child protective services are required to talk to the child alone. You have to understand that parents tend to have a very high impact on their children and if at any point they look at the parent, they may exaggerate or take away from their story. When a child is interviewed alone it is more likely that the story will be correct and valid. Plus parents tend to want to "help" the story along and add their own details in the middle of the interview because they may think that this is too difficult for the child. In effect the interviews must be done alone especially in sexual abuse cases, All interviews are done alone with the child.

Also when I say required i do not mean that its the law just that it is protocol. Also a parent can refuse the interview with the child but then the case will fall apart.

Answer 3

She should have had an advocate there, for her own protection.......but, the law doesn't say she has to have one. If you live in a state that has Victims of Crime, she should get a call into them, right away, and get their help. This will not only help the children, now, but, will insure that they get counseling and any doctor's care that they need. Some police officers are all for the children, while others seem to confuse and to cause the children such humiliation that they stop telling what happened. I was a child advocate for many, many years. Be sure your friend gets a copy of the police report to give to Victims of Crime. I went through the division at my State Capitol, as I found my own area's victim's of crime site to be sloppy.

Answer 4

Actually, an "appropriate adult" is not required, unless the minor is suspected of an offence. Strenuous attempts are made to make any interview in these circumstances as informal and friendly as possible. Quite often one of the more "motherly" lady police officers will be there out of uniform for reassurance. It's best to exclude parents or other family members not only in case they may turn out to be offenders, but any child will naturally tell you what he/she thinks her parents want to hear

Answer 5

I am not sure about Great Britain, but if the laws there are like those in the US, then child witnesses do not have the unalienable right to be questioned with a parent or guardian. That right is reserved for minors who are suspected of committing crimes. Witnesses are often talked to without parents present, especially if one or both of the parents are suspected of criminal activity.

Answer 6

I was employed with Child Protective Services in my state, and I know that our state did not require that an adult be in the room to superivse the investigation. One reason they do not allow parents/guardians in the room is so that the child answers are not compromised. The police/CPS do not want to take the chance of having a child not report sexual abuse becuase the abuser is there in the room with them. Police and CPS workers are trained in how to ask children non-leading questions. I know that our state's CPS is required to video tape the investigation as well. I hope this helps you a little.

Answer 7

Not necessarily. For one thing in an instance of sexual abuse, the authorities are never sure who the perpetrator is (the parent could be the one) and also the adult might inhibit the child's inclination to speak honestly and openly. Most officers and social workers are trained to ask unleading questions and to be very nonthreatening.

Answer 8

I always thought that parents should have the option to be in the room if they were not involved in the case ,to look out for the best interest of the child . things are crazy now a days and everything changes . good luck .

Answer 9

has to be an independent adult their

Miss K is right, phone your local police and ask for the Family protection unit for advice

Answer 10

if the uk, a social worker would a been in the room it is the law

regards x kitti x