The decision to undertake a JII of a child witness and/or victim will be taken by the core agencies during the Inter-Agency Referral Discussion (IRD).
The Guidance on Joint Investigative Interviewing of Child Witnesses in Scotland describes an investigative interview as ‘a formal planned interview with a child carried out by staff trained and competent to conduct it.
The purpose of a JII is to:
The Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) is an approach to joint investigative interviewing which is trauma informed. This approach maintains the focus upon the needs of the child in the interview, minimising the risk of further trauma, whilst seeking to achieve the best evidence through improved planning and interview techniques. In Renfrewshire JIIs are undertaken by the North Strathclyde Child interview Team.
Interviews should always be tailored to the needs of the child and the circumstances leading to the investigation. A key component for this interview is the planning and preparation for the interview ensuring that all the child’s needs are taken into consideration.
Team Managers or Police Sergeant’s are responsible for briefing and de-briefing for JIIs. Briefing and debriefing of interviewers are essential parts of the planning process for an investigation.
Once the interview and an agreed joint record of its proceedings have been completed, a debriefing session will take place between the interviewers and the managers of Social Work and/or Police overseeing the investigation.
The briefing and debriefing session will be documented and both agencies will keep records identifying decisions made, by whom and the reasons for them.
Although the findings from the interview will be discussed during debriefing, any decisions on further actions may be taken by the Inter-Agency Referral Discussion. The Social Work Team Manager and/or Police supervisor conducting the debriefing session will feed back the findings of the interview to the Inter-Agency Referral Discussion, if required.
When the Procurator Fiscal requests a JII an Inter-Agency Referral Discussion should be considered when a child or young person has witnessed a suspected crime and where they are assessed as being at risk of significant harm.
The North Strathclyde Child Interview Team Manager will assess the complexity of the case and consider if the child has needs that would require additional support. Where no protection or welfare concerns are evident and the threshold for an IRD is unmet, a referral for a JII can be progressed without the need for an IRD.
Renfrewshire child protection guidance