obstacles in child interviews

[Ewartcme@xxxxxxx]

Up to now, there have been few, if any, tests for concealed child abuse in 
families. One main reason is that the child is often fiercely intimidated 
beforehand never to tell the truth about what happened. I have developed an 
experimental test I would like the group to have, without charge. This 
structured questionnaire overcomes fear of retaliation by basing the first 
half of the test on symptoms of emotional trauma. The hypothesis is that 
children who are abused will often exhibit such symptoms. Because the child 
is unaware of the implications of his answers, he is able to respond freely 
and honestly. For some reason, not yet known, children tend to "open up" and 
talk freely about factual matters toward the second half and end of the test. 
This instrument needs reliability and validity studies, and for that reason, 
would be an excellent project for a graduate dissertation. When the test is 
validated, it will hold up in court because it is objective, and does not 
call for an interpretation by the examiner. Such an instrument is very 
critically needed. For several years, I have been using it in my private 
practice and recording the responses for possible use in court or for 
presentation to child protective services. Again, this test is available 
without charge upon email request.

Heyward Bruce Ewart, Ph.D.