What is the first stage in the process of the child forensic interview?

The first stage in the child forensic interview process is building rapport with the child. This stage is crucial as it allows the interviewer to create a safe and welcoming environment, helping the child feel comfortable and secure. When rapport is established, the child is more likely to open up and communicate effectively, which is essential for gathering accurate and reliable information about their experiences.

Building rapport involves using age-appropriate language, demonstrating empathy, and engaging in activities that make the child feel at ease. This foundational step paves the way for the interviewer to proceed with more structured questions related to the alleged abuse or concerns.

In contrast, subsequent stages like touch inquiry, anatomy identification, and abuse scenario discussion rely on the trust established during the rapport-building phase. If a child does not feel safe or comfortable, they may be less likely to share important details, thereby hindering the investigative process. By focusing on rapport first, interviewers set the stage for a more successful and effective interview.