Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM)

The interviewer

Each interview is carried out by one social worker and one police officer. They have all completed 412 hours of specialist training over a  six month period, in order to qualify as SCIM joint interviewers. Interviewers participate in ongoing learning events and are regularly evaluated in order to maintain a high standard of practice and to ensure the effective delivery of the Scottish Child Interview Model. 

Interview planning

The police or social work team will contact the child and family if a decision has been made to carry out a SCIM joint interview, and to agree safety plans. The SCIM trained interviewers will then make contact with the family to gather information for the planning stage of the joint interview.

A 'Plan for the Child’s Needs' is developed by interviewers based on information provided by relevant professionals and people who know the child well. It highlights the child's individual needs, any existing strategies and adjustments that may be required to support the child to participate fully in the interview. Professionals in education, health, social work, third sector, as well as family members – anyone who is part of the team around the child – may be contacted for assistance in developing a Plan for the Child’s Needs. This means that each child's unique information informs interview planning.

The Plan For The Child’s Needs includes information on the following topics:

• the child’s Strengths and Resources, including any known coping strategies they have
• any Complex Needs the child may have, including any known diagnoses
• Cognitive Factors relevant to the child, including their ability to understand information
• any Trauma and Adversity the child has experienced, including how this may impact them during the interview
• any Speech, Language or Communication Needs the child has, including strategies to support this
• any issues around Context and Motivation, including any worries the child may have around participating in the interview
• information on the child’s Relationships, including how they manage their emotions

A visit can be made before the interview takes place for children who have additional support needs, are particularly anxious or need further explanation of the interview process. This means they can meet the interviewers, ask any question they may have and start to build trusting relationships. Visiting the interview venue before being interviewed may also help to alleviate any anxieties.  

During these visits the interviewers are only able to talk about the interview process and are not there to discuss any details of the abusive incident; this will be spoken about on the day of the interview.