Child Abuse and Neglect : Assessing the Children

by Child Welfare Information Gateway

(Page 4 of 10)

CPS's core mission is to protect the safety of the child and assess risks. This includes evaluating the potential harm to children who witness domestic violence. Unfortunately, caretakers often underestimate the effect that domestic violence has on their children. Approximately 90 percent of children who live with domestic violence can provide detailed descriptions of the incidents in their homes. Although children frequently provide the most accurate accounts of the violence, CPS caseworkers must proceed cautiously during their interviews with children. Children receive messages, either directly or indirectly, that domestic violence is a "family secret." It is usually uncomfortable and frightening for children to talk about the abuse. Some children may be afraid that discussing the violence will create problems at home, such as further violence or the separation of their parents. Other children may align with the abuser and attempt to provide protection by not discussing the violence or even blaming the victim. CPS caseworkers may want to consider asking the alleged victim about how they might interview the children about domestic violence in order to have an initial understanding of the children's likely attitude or behavior. The following are practice recommendations for CPS caseworkers when performing assessments with children.

Provide an atmosphere that supports children's comfort in discussing sensitive issues. CPS caseworkers should create a safe, supportive, and age-appropriate environment that helps children feel comfortable talking about a difficult topic. It is essential that the caseworker establish trust and rapport before asking children direct questions about domestic violence. It also is important to use developmentally appropriate language and techniques, such as having the children draw what they saw or to demonstrate with figurines.

Validate the children's feelings during the assessment interview. Caseworkers should encourage children to discuss their feelings about any violence in the home and the alleged perpetrator and victim. It also is critical to tell children that the violence is not their fault and that their feelings are normal.

Promote safe and healthy coping skills and responses to domestic violence. CPS caseworkers should assist children in developing positive and effective methods to protect themselves. Where appropriate, safety plans need to include tips for children such as what to do and whom to contact for help in domestic violence situations. Whenever possible, the nonoffending parent should be included in the process of developing safety skills and plans.

Begin direct inquiry regarding domestic violence with a general statement. Caseworkers can help make the child feel more at ease by starting with broad-based statements before asking specific questions about the child's family. For example:

"Sometimes when moms and dads (or boyfriends) fight, they get angry. Sometimes even too angry, and they may start to yell at each other or even hit each other. I know fights can be scary. I want to ask you a few questions about whether your parents fight and what you think about it. Would that be ok?"

If the child is not willing to discuss the situation, assure him or her it is understandable to feel reluctant talking about such matters. It is never appropriate to attempt to instill any type of guilt or fear in the child in an effort to gain compliance or obtain information.

Practice Recommendations for Assessing the Alleged Domestic Violence Perpetrator

It is not easy to talk with anyone about abusive behaviors. Thus, interviewing alleged offenders can make some CPS caseworkers feel uneasy and nervous, which may make it more difficult to remain open-minded. As discussed earlier, perpetrators vary in their patterns and levels of violent behavior. Collecting information before the interview can inform CPS caseworkers about safety precautions they may want to consider. Some abusers will be solicitous and cooperative or even charming in an effort to avoid exposure and to decrease the caseworker's involvement with the family. Nevertheless, in order to assess harm to children and alleged victims of domestic violence accurately, it is critical that an assessment occur regarding the alleged abuser's level of dangerousness and the risks his or her behavior presents to family members. The following are practice recommendations for CPS caseworkers when performing an assessment with alleged perpetrators.

Plan for caseworker safety. Ideally, CPS caseworkers should conduct the assessment in a public place, such as the agency office or at the alleged perpetrator's place of employment. Interviewing the alleged abuser outside the home decreases their comfort level and the likelihood that he or she will engage in posturing, manipulating, or threatening behaviors. As always, caseworkers should notify a coworker or a supervisor about their whereabouts and expected time of return. If preliminary information suggests that an alleged perpetrator is extremely dangerous, CPS caseworkers should request the accompaniment of another caseworker or police. It also may be helpful to ask the partner the best approach for interviewing the alleged abuser.

Use third party reports when interviewing the alleged abuser. Perpetrators routinely deny, minimize, or blame the victim for their violent behaviors. Therefore, the use of third party reports, such as police and criminal records, civil protection orders, hospital records, or prior CPS information, may assist CPS caseworkers with discussing domestic violence allegations and counteracting the alleged perpetrator's attempts to avoid accountability for prior abusive behavior. CPS caseworkers should never confront the alleged abuser with information provided by the alleged victim. This can compromise the alleged victim's safety if the alleged perpetrator retaliates for the disclosure. It is important to remember that prior domestic violence does not prove that abuse occurred in the situation being assessed. Conversely, the absence of a criminal history does not prove that an individual is not abusive as there are perpetrators who have never been arrested, charged, or convicted of domestic violence or any other crime. If supplemental information is not available, caseworkers should inform the alleged perpetrator that it is routine procedure for child protection to inquire about domestic violence.

Focus on obtaining information about the alleged abuser's behaviors and the degree to which he or she accepts responsibility. CPS caseworkers should not try to obtain a "confession" or hold a "debate" regarding domestic violence allegations. This can result in the interview ending abruptly, and the caseworker will not be able to gather critical information regarding the alleged abusive behavior. Caseworkers can be more effective by presenting information, inquiring about patterns and tactics of abuse, and listening to the alleged perpetrator's responses. Gaining the alleged perpetrator's perspective, in addition to information contained in the child abuse referral, third party reports, and interviews with the alleged victim and children, will inform the CPS caseworkers' assessment. Some perpetrators will admit to being abusive, which usually increases the likelihood that he or she will cooperate with case planning efforts.

Engage the alleged abuser in an assessment that is respectful and structured. The interview should begin in a nonthreatening, nonconfrontational manner by asking the alleged perpetrator general questions regarding his or her intimate relationship. It is essential to communicate respect during the assessment and avoid treating the alleged perpetrator as a "bad person" or a liar. Showing respect can lower the alleged abuser's defensiveness and encourage him or her to provide needed information. It may be useful to say something in a low-key way, such as "I need to speak with you about your family; everybody gets a chance to talk about what's going on." In addition, CPS caseworkers should clearly communicate the goals and format of the assessment. This will help caseworkers focus the interview, as well as convey that they are in charge of the process and are not intimidated. If the child abuse report contains allegations of domestic violence or if caseworkers have third party information, they should begin the interview by presenting the information and asking for the alleged perpetrator's perspective of the events.

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Formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. A service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.