What is one recommended best practice for conducting interviews with children?

Creating a comfortable environment is essential when conducting interviews with children. This practice helps to establish rapport and trust between the interviewer and the child. A child who feels safe and comfortable is more likely to open up and share information openly, which is critical in any interview setting, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects.

When children sense that they are in a secure setting, they may find it easier to communicate their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. This can lead to more accurate and complete information being gathered, which is crucial for the context in which juveniles are being interviewed, whether it’s for law enforcement purposes, assessments of well-being, or other related matters.

Creating a welcoming atmosphere might include using friendly body language, ensuring privacy, and using age-appropriate language to make the child feel at ease. This best practice significantly contributes to the effectiveness of the interview process with children.