California-based psychologist and social worker Dr. Miriam Galindo earned a master of social work from California State University and a doctor of psychology from Trinity College of Graduate Studies. Since graduating, Dr. Miriam Galindo has completed numerous continuing education courses and training programs, including several programs on interviewing children.
Properly interviewing a child starts with choosing the right location. An ideal location is a neutral place that is both secure and quiet.
The location should not have too many toys that may distract the child, but paper and crayons should be available. Any tables in the room should be large enough to accommodate a child and an adult sitting beside one another since interviewing across a table may be intimidating to a child.
Chairs should be of similar height so eye-level contact can be made. An interviewer should be willing to sit on the floor if the child decides to sit on the floor.
During the interview, the interviewer should greet the child by name and be open and friendly. The interviewer should introduce himself or herself and tell the child where his or her parents are waiting.
Providing a snack before starting the interview may help the child feel more comfortable. Breaking up the interview into sections may also make children feel more at ease.
All questions posed during the interview must be open. The questions must never be leading, and the interviewer must encourage the child to answer however he or she thinks is appropriate.