A new approach to how we interview child victims and witnesses is being developed and rolled out across Scotland. The trauma informed joint interview process known as the ‘Scottish Child Interview Model’ (SCIM) has the backing of the Scottish Government, Social Work Scotland and Police Scotland. 

The aims of the new approach are to improve the quality of experience of child victims and witnesses, minimise re-traumatisation and improve the quality of evidence gathered during joint investigative interviews. Research of the techniques used in the model strongly indicates that the engagement of children and young people is improved, and crucially, the gathering of evidence can be obtained in a manner that reduces stress during the joint interview.  The longer-term aim of the model is to work towards the interview being a therapeutic experience.

Glasgow is the fourth Scottish local authority to be involved in piloting the new interview model and we have set up the Glasgow Child Interview Team (GCIT). The team is jointly managed by a Social Work Team Leader and a Detective Sergeant from Police Scotland and all staff have undertaken specialist training.  

The current criteria for the GCIT involvement include cases that are likely to proceed in the High Court; cases that involve sexual abuse, serious physical assault or sexual exploitation; or when children have additional needs or communication needs. When a case is allocated to the team, a police and social work interviewer are identified and assigned the interview. They will then work collaboratively to plan, prepare and carry out relevant interviews. The preparation for interview includes consultation with all professionals who best know the child / young person and also with the parents, when appropriate.  

In an effort to make the child / young person more relaxed, the team tries to avoid carrying out interviews in social work offices or police stations. Currently they use facilities provided by GIFT (NSPCC), Ruchazie Family Centre (Quarriers) and Family Support Service (HSCP). The team is are grateful for the support that receive from these organisations.

Ruairí McMurray, Service Manager, said, “It’s hoped that the new approach will improve the experience of children and young people who are interviewed. We also hope that the improved quality of evidence gathered during Joint Investigative Interviews will prevent the need for these children to have to give evidence in person as part of court or children’s hearing processes.”

Due to the volume of interviews, the team is currently managing to carry out between 50-60% of all Joint Investigative Interviews (JII) undertaken in Glasgow. We continue to work alongside our colleagues from social work localities and police who are trained in the Stepwise model of JII, who undertake the other interviews needed. The aim of the Scottish Government is that all Joint Investigative Interviews will be carried out using the Scottish Child Interview Model by 2024.  

At the moment the members of the team are not co-located, but the long-term plan is that the team will be part of the Bairns Hoose in Glasgow when this is built.

If you require more information on the team or the work of the team, please email either:  
•    GlasgowChildInterviewTeam@glasgow.gov.uk 
•    GreaterGlasgowJointInvestigativeInterviewTeam@scotland.pnn.police.uk