The investigation of child abuse cases
The investigation of child abuse cases is sensitive due to their nature. The endeavour calls for keenness as it involves people close to not only the victim but also the suspect. For instance, the child’s guardians and close friends are usually required, and it is often a psychologically tricky moment. On the other hand, the spouse(s) and children of the suspect become part of the investigation. The exercise is, in most cases, emotionally draining and embarrassing.
Furthermore, it can lead to family disagreements due to the socially unacceptable form of the allegations. It is very wrong to abuse a child who is a fact that seems to be understood by the perpetrator after they are caught. The repercussions, on the other hand, have a substantial impact on the suspect’s family.
There are various challenges one is likely to face while interviewing the suspect’s family. In most cases, feeling resentment and disappointment can affect the willingness of these members to take part in the exercise. More so, it difficult for Child Protective Officers to develop a good rapport with the family. Due to the emotional nature of the investigation, the spouse and children can be uncooperative. The psychological effect of the probe can make the family hide crucial information or lead to exaggerations. It is of utmost importance for the investigators to ensure that they minimize the possibility of increasing potential harm from the interview. In doing so, they will be able to get the suspect’s family’s support. Initially, they might be in denial of the allegations making it the role of the investigator to bring them up to speed with the matter.
The outcomes of an investigation fundamentally depend on the evidence available to pin down a suspect. Additionally, the critical goal is to determine the truth of the matter based on the allegations. The suspect gets a chance to defend themselves while giving their account on the issue. The information gathered in the process is crucial evidence for the case. It involves typically carrying out interviews with the victim’s close kin, friends and adults living in the household.
Moreover, a CPS agent can do criminal background research on the adults in the household to find out prior illegal conduct and abuse. Establishing a good rapport and adding on the validity of the information shared by the CPS agent helps corroborate the allegations. The CPS official should bring those involved to the attention of their rights and what the assessment entails.
Various information sources can help to comprehend how the family operates, the form, and intensity of the allegations while looking into potential threats and child safety. The information sources are inclusive of professionals, for example, teachers, health practitioners, caretakers, the police, institutions, and community-based organizations. The victim’s family, neighbours and those who witnessed the alleged abuse provide essential information. But, family confidentiality should be maintained by avoiding initiating contacts or interviews without reasonable cause. Apart from being conversant with the rules and regulations about child abuse in a specific State, the CPS agent should understand agency policies and local legislation that might affect the legality of information collected. The target is to avoid illegalities that can be used as a defence by the alleged victim. For instance, some State laws can oblige that the interviews must be done alongside law enforcement authorities. Forensic medical examinations can be conducted depending on the type of child maltreatment. The forensic results serve as concrete evidence in the case.
Corroboration in child abuse cases is essential as it substantiates the allegations. Children are minors and vulnerable, which can harm the information shared by the victim. Upon disclosure, the investigation stage is intended to determine the accuracy of the information shared. Thus, the caseworker is required to dig deep into the story in a bid to figure out the extent of maltreatment while building a case against the suspect. CPS plays a crucial role in creating a way out of abuse for the child and corroborating the disclosure is paramount.