What is it.
A child’s statement is often the most critical evidence during investigations. Interviewers rely on monitors to help track details, identify gaps, and support adherence to best practice interviewing. This study examines the role of interview monitors in child forensic interviews through interviews with 13 police and social worker interviewers/monitors. It explored how the role is understood and what practices best support high-quality interviews. The findings offer clear guidance for using monitors to strengthen child disclosures and investigative outcomes.
How can it help me?
For CYACs, this study provides practice and, experience-driven insights that can immediately improve interview quality and team collaboration. CYACs already operate within multidisciplinary, child-centered models, making them well-positioned to implement pre-interview planning, purposeful mid-interview consultation, and immediate post-interview debriefs. Strengthening the monitor role can reduce the need for repeat interviews, enhance accuracy and completeness of children’s statements, and support consistent, trauma-informed practice. By clarifying expectations and providing monitor practices, CYACs can improve investigative efficiency and ensure that each child’s disclosure is gathered in a meaningful way.
