Interviewing suspected victims of child maltreatment in the emergency department

Every day, children suspected of being maltreated present to emergency departments throughout the United States. These children should be given the opportunity to discuss what happened to them. Statements made by an abused child can become powerful evidence in court, and the legality of such statements could be strengthened by the use of forensic interview techniques. The ED interview is not an investigative interview. It should be used to obtain information needed to assess, treat, and report cases of suspected child maltreatment. Ideally, the child should be separated from the caregiver and the setting should provide safety and privacy. The nurse begins the interview with an opened-ended question such as "What happened?" and then progress, if necessary, to more directed for focused questions. Such progression creates confidence in the reliability of the child's responses. Finally, accurate and detailed charting is crucial in a child maltreatment case. The nurse must document the interview using the child's exact words and noting the child's behavior and demeanor at the time the statements were made.