What characterizes the substantive phase of an interview?

The substantive phase of an interview is characterized by asking open-ended questions and focused prompts. This approach encourages the interviewee to provide more detailed and elaborative responses, facilitating a deeper understanding of their perspectives, feelings, and experiences. Open-ended questions do not limit the interviewee's answers, allowing them to express their thoughts freely. This is especially important in a juvenile context, where understanding the nuanced backgrounds and circumstances of young individuals can lead to more effective support and intervention strategies. By fostering a dialogue rather than a simple question-and-answer format, the interviewer can gather valuable insights that may not emerge through more restrictive questioning techniques.