RE: Extended Forensic Interviews

The usual "darn good reason" for extended interview is a case like the following--a) Significant but not totally conclusive evidence of abuse that can't be easily dismissed; and b) a child that gave a fairly unresponsive or vage initial interview that was inconclusive. The available research suggests that following an extended interview, interviews don't all come to the same conclusion--sometimes concluding that abuse was likely, sometimes that it was unlikely, and sometimes that things are still inconclusive. So, I think we can say that the protocols don't reflect some sort of automatic confirmation bias. Naturally, lacking crystal balls which might reveal the ultimate truth of the matter, its hard to say whether they get us to bedrock truth. In the research, as usual, one trades internal validity for external validity on this type of question. It is clear that extended interviews help interviewers make up their minds, if that has any value.

But the real question is, given the usual indicator circumstances for conducting an extended interview (enough evidence to create real worry that can't be dismissed, plus a vague or inconclusive initial interview) what are your options? For example--a six year old has gonnorhea, and when interviewed says very little at all. What do you do? Punt and make it someone else's problem? Say we'll never figure this one out and that its just inconclusive (not necessarily a bad option ultimately, but the question is are you really there yet)? Flip a coin? Give psychological tests or lie detectors or Ouija boards (heaven save us from this pseudoscience)? I would imagine that a carefully conducted extended interview might be the lesser of the evils here.

From: Eric G. Mart [emart@xxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 2:04 PM
Subject: Re: Extended Forensic Interviews

Shelly,

I wouldn't do them without a darn good reason. I think it is important to remember that everyone doing CSA assessments is going to have their methodology and performance assessed with regard to the extent to which it comports with the Lamb et al NICHD protocol, and that does not included repeated interviewing. In the absence of any actually empirical proof that extended forensic assessment improves accurate recall without increasing errors, I'd avoid the practice.

Eric G. Mart, Ph.D., ABPP (Forensic)
311 Highlander Way
Manchester, New Hampshire 03103
Ph. 603/626-0966
Fax 603/622-7012
www.psychology-law.com

----- Original Message -----

From: Jackson, Shelly L *HS

To: 'Child Maltreatment Researchers'

Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 8:13 AM

Subject: Extended Forensic Interviews

I would like ask the research and the practitioner communities to weigh in on a debate about extended forensic interviews (EFEs). We are in the midst of a debate in our community and I would like to hear what other communities are doing. I am familiar with the literature, but I’d like to hear researcher’s assessments of that research base. I’d also like to learn what practitioners in other communities are doing or thinking about in terms of EFEs. Thanks so much.