Verbatim or near-verbatim documentation can be accomplished by note taking by an adult participant in the interview or through true verbatim transcription, e.g., audio or videotaping. The pros and cons of these methods have been debated extensively in recent years.1 Because OFCO has not independently analyzed the strengths or weaknesses of these approaches, we do not make a recommendation as to the particular method of documentation. However, based on our interviews with CA administrators and social workers, we question whether it is reasonable or desirable to require CPS social workers to take verbatim or near-verbatim notes during interviews. Accordingly, the feasibility of this method should be studied further if state policy makers and agency officials wish to consider mandating this approach. If this method is determined not to be feasible or effective, then OFCO recommends that CPS interview documentation be accomplished through verbatim transcription.

1 WSIPP Report, supra, at p. 55-72.

Child Interview Practices

Specialized and on-going training in child sexual abuse investigative and interview techniques should be required for all CPS social workers. Consideration should be given to including the training components and techniques recommended in the WSIPP report. Moreover, mandatory training of workers should be reinforced with effective, ongoing supervision. Specialized and ongoing training together with close supervision will provide workers with the skills they need to achieve high standards of performance and to avoid errors that can increase the risk of factual distortion.

The Children’s Administration should commission an external review of therapists’ reports in DCFS child sexual abuse cases. The purpose of the review would be to ascertain whether the CA should require contracting therapists to have specialized training and/or on-going training about sexual abuse issues, and whether it should take other action to improve the quality of therapy services. Consideration should be given to establishing a consultation network consisting of a core of skilled and experienced therapists in this area who would be available to consult on difficult cases.

Local jurisdictions should be required to establish cross-discipline collaboration protocols that include elements that are recognized by researchers and practitioners as being essential for effective collaboration. Mandatory elements to be included in local protocols could be developed by a state-level task force on which key disciplines are represented. In addition, opportunities for training on cross-discipline collaboration should be enhanced for CPS social workers and professionals from other disciplines.