Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM)

If a child or young person under the age of 18 has experienced or witnessed a crime, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, they may need to be interviewed as part of an investigation. Interviews are different to the system used for adults and are specifically tailored around the needs of children and young people.  

In Scotland, the new Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) is used whilst conducting these investigative interviews and are jointly undertaken by a specially trained Police Officer and Social Worker.

The SCIM joint interviews are tailored to the individual needs of the child or young person. They're also based on trauma informed principles. This means interviewers understand how the difficult life events someone experiences can impact how they behave and respond in certain situations and can also impact their ability to feel safe and form trusting relationships.

The SCIM joint interviews aim to create a safe environment where children and young people are empowered to share their account whilst reducing the risk of re-traumatisation.

Purposes of joint interviews

The main purposes of the SCIM joint interviews are to:

• learn the child’s account of the circumstances that prompted the enquiry
• gather information to permit decision making on whether the child in question, or any other child, is in need of protection
• gather sufficient evidence to suggest whether a crime may have been committed against the child or anyone else
• gather evidence which may be relevant to the Children’s Reporter in establishing grounds for a Children’s Hearing
• inform safety planning and requirement for follow on support for the child

It is important that the child is aware that what they say may lead to a Police and/or Social Work Child Protection investigation. This can then result in a report being submitted to the Procurator Fiscal with the potential for it proceeding to court.

Recording

SCIM joint interviews are audio and video recorded. Recording the interview means that, should the investigation go to court, the recording can be played and the child may not have to attend. It's important to know, however, that this can't be guaranteed. Special measures can be put in place if a child or young person does have to attend court. 

Consent

A parent or guardian's consent is not required before undertaking a joint investigative interview. However the child or young person must give consent; it is their choice whether or not to take part.

If a child decides not to take part in an interview but changes their mind at a later date, they can contact Police or Social Work and request a future SCIM joint interview is arranged.

Next steps

Once a child has given their account of what has happened, interviewers have a Debrief Discussion with relevant Police and Social Work colleagues and next steps are agreed.

Safety plans will be updated and follow up supports will also be discussed and offered to the child and their family as required.