Revised practitioner guidance for joint investigative interviewing of children

Page 1 of 5

Closes 22 Jan 2027

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Questions

1a. This guidance seeks to provide a national framework for planning, conducting, supporting and overseeing joint investigative interviews of child victims and witnesses. In your view, is the guidance clear, accessible and easy to use?
1b. If you answered "To some extent" or "No", to question 1a above, please explain your answer and suggest how the guidance could be improved.
2a. This revised guidance seeks to reflect significant developments since publication of the 2011 Guidance on Joint Investigative Interviewing of Child Witnesses in Scotland. These developments include the implementation of the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM), trauma-informed practice, children's rights developments, the incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law, and the development of Bairns' Hoose. Are there any additional legislative or policy developments, research or practice developments that should be reflected in the guidance?
2b. If you answered "Yes" to question 2a above, please provide further details.
3a. The guidance now includes a criterion for deciding on a joint investigative interview. Is the proposed criterion sufficiently clear and flexible to support decision making on when a JII is appropriate?
3b. If you answered "To some extent" or "No", to question 3a above, please explain your answer.
4a. The guidance sets out processes for agreeing, planning, conducting and reviewing joint investigative interviews, including interview planning, briefing and debriefing arrangements, recording decision-making and evaluation of interviews. Are these processes clearly described within the guidance?
4b. If you answered "To some extent" or "No" to question 4a above, please explain your answer and suggest how the guidance could be improved.
5a. The guidance sets out the approach to conducting joint investigative interviews in various complex circumstances that may require additional planning and decision-making. Does the guidance provide sufficient support for planning and conducting interviews in these circumstances?
5b. If you answered "To some extent" or "No" to question 5a above, please explain what additional guidance or clarification would be helpful.
6a. The guidance sets out expectations for supporting children and families before, during and after a joint investigative interview. Are these clearly described within the guidance?
6b. If you answered "To some extent" or "No" to question 6a above, please explain what additional guidance or clarification would be helpful.
7a. A key aim of the guidance is to support joint investigative interviews being conducted to a standard capable of being used as evidence in both civil and criminal legal proceedings where appropriate. Does the guidance clearly support this objective?
7b. If you answered "To some extent" or "No" to question 7a above, please explain what additional guidance or clarification would be helpful.
8a. The guidance describes the roles and responsibilities of those involved in joint investigative interviewing and how they should work together throughout the planning, conduct, review and use of interviews. Are the roles and responsibilities clearly described within the guidance to enable effective decision making and action?
8b. If you answered "To some extent" or "No" to question 8a above, please explain what additional guidance or clarification would be helpful.
9a . The guidance has been strengthened to make clear how children’s rights should be respected throughout the JII process. Does the guidance provide sufficient direction as to how children’s rights should be maintained through all aspects of joint investigating interviewing?
9b. If you answered "To some extent" or "No" to question 9a above, please explain what additional guidance or clarification would be helpful.
10. The guidance will be supported by accompanying materials including practice support documents, quality assurance materials, technical specifications and information for children and families. Are there any additional resources or supporting materials that would assist implementation of the guidance?
11. Do you have any further comments on the draft Guidance on Joint Investigative Interviewing of Children in Scotland?