Social Work Now (27) April 2004 : 11-18

The author of this article explores the procedures and rationale for videotaped interviews with children who allege sexual and/or physical abuse, or who are at serious risk of these forms of violence. The research focused on the information gained during interviews of children referred to Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS). The use and purpose of evidential and diagnostic interviews are differentiated in this research. Both allegation rates and offender and offence data are detailed. The author supports the interagency collaboration of workers within CYFS, the Police, the health sector, and other related groups, and provides some evidence to sustain this. Limitations in the interpretation of statistics resulting from this research are also explained.