Children have the right to have their voice valued and know that they will be listened to. When children and young people are provided with opportunities to participate and feel their views are valued, they are more likely to speak up if they are worried or have experienced abuse.
More than 7000 survivors gave evidence to the Royal Commission which found, there were many barriers to children and young people disclosing abuse, including the fear that they would not be believed or would be blamed. When children and young people did disclose abuse, many services responded in ways that minimised the abuse and failed to protect them, increasing the impact of abuse.
The approach to interviewing a child is different to interviewing an adult and requires careful thought and planning. This resource was designed to help practitioners conduct effective and appropriate interviews with children and young people and take a trauma -informed approach.
Please watch this short animation How to be a good Questioner as it provides an introduction to interviewing children and young people as well addressing some common myths.
For further resources please go to Including Children and Young People in Reportable Conduct Investigations