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MDT Resources

DHS Minimal Facts Field Interviewing Guide

If it’s determined that more information is required with immediacy, the first responder interview should be kept to what is minimally necessary to:

Establish immediate safety​​

  • WHO did it? ​Is the suspect living in the home or have immediate access to the child?

Identify law enforcement jurisdiction

  • WHERE did this incident happen?​

Establish basic understanding of abuse

  • WHAT happened? Only necessary if safety planning is required.

If the Reporting Source (RS) can provide the information above, consider utilizing collateral sources for abuse specifics. Interview the RS and refer the child for an interview at Kids FIRST.​

  • Example: Child discloses SA by a non-household member to their teacher and the teacher makes a report. The child also disclosed to the parent, who can provide context (i.e. location of crime).

TO DO

  • Prioritize open-ended “Wh” Questions:

    • Tell me what happened.

    • Where were you?

    • Who else was there?

  • Document exact statements

  • Thank child for telling & discuss KF interview next steps (age appropriate)

  • Cross report to LE & follow up with agency

  • Refer to Kids FIRST

  • Prepare to share field disclosure details with KF Forensic Interviewer

TO AVOID

  • Introduction of new language, education, or pain scales:

    • “Scale from 1-10”

    • “Did he ejaculate?”

    • “Is your pee-pee your vagina?”

  • Victim blaming statements

    • “Did you run or yell?”

    • “Why didn’t you tell?”

    • “It’s important you tell me so we can protect other kids.”

  • Number of times

  • Promises that the forensic interview is the only/last time a child must disclose

Photographing Injuries

Please follow these protocols when photographing injuries in the field. 

  • One photograph of child’s face.

  • One photograph from a distance that orients where the injury is on the body.

  • One photograph close up without a ruler, one with a ruler, one with flash.

  • Make sure all edges of the injury are seen in the photograph, when possible.

  • Beware of shadows/lighting, use one light source (daylight or flash or indoor lighting).

  • For cell phones, the more light the better.

  • Review your photographs before leaving the child, any questions-- call medical team at Kids FIRST (541-682-3938) or after hours phone for Kids FIRST (541-915-6367).

  • Make sure the autofocus is on the injury.

  • When in doubt, take more pictures.

  • If swelling is present, consider taking a perpendicular shot that shows swelling.

  • Use a white background when possible or as plain a background as possible.

Photo Guide.JPG
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