Targeted Questions When You See An Indicator

 

 

 

You should ask targeted questions when you notice an indicator because the presence of an indicator by itself, is not enough to lead you to call the Child Abuse Hotline. You will need to gather additional information to help you decide whether you have a reasonable suspicion that the indicator is the result of abuse or neglect. If the information you gather raises a reasonable suspicion in your mind, you should call the Hotline.

If indicators are present, mandated reporters are NOT expected or advised to conduct a formal, exhaustive investigation with the child. Targeted questions will help you get to the facts about the specific indicators you have observed. By asking questions, you can begin to determine whether you believe that the circumstances surrounding the child’s injury or behavior warrants investigation by CPS.

Begin your conversation with an open-ended question, allowing the child to tell you the story of his or her indicator. You may need to follow with closed-ended questions that must be answered with simple statements of fact.

 

WHAT Targeted Questions Should I Ask Children and Adolescents?

Questions about physical abuse:

  • I notice that you have a big bruise on your arm. Tell me about that. How did that happen?
  • If child says he was hit, move to closed-ended.
  • Where did this happen? Who hit you?
  • When did it happen? Has it happened before? When was the last time?
  • What did you get hit with?
  • Why did he/she hit you?

Questions about neglect:

  • Tell me about the last meal that you ate. When did you eat? Where did the food come from, and
    where did you eat it? What did you eat?
  • How often do you feel hungry and don’t have anything to eat?
  • What happens in your house when you misbehave?
  • I notice that you have been missing school lately. What can you tell me about that?
  • I heard that you ran away from home. Why did you run away?
  • It seems to me like you don’t want to go home after school. Can you talk to me about that?
  • What’s your experience been with using drugs? How about alcohol?
  • I see that you have been sick with (ILLNESS) for a long time. Have you seen a doctor or
    nurse about this problem?
  • How did you get to the doctor’s office?

WHAT Targeted Questions Should I Ask a Parent?

Questions about physical abuse:

  • I notice that your child has big bruise on his/her arm. Tell me about that. How did that happen?
  • Did someone hit your child? Who was it?
  • Where did this happen?
  • When did it happen? Has it happened before? When was the last time?
  • What did your child get hit with?
  • Why did your child get hit?

Questions about neglect:

  • Tell me about the last meal your child ate. When and what did your child eat?
  • Does anyone in your family often feel hungry and does not have anything to eat?
  • What happens in your house when your child misbehaves? How do you handle it?
  • I notice that your child has been missing school lately. What can you tell me about that?
  • I heard that your child ran away from home. What’s that all about?
  • It seems to me like your child does not want to go home after school. Can you talk to me
    about that?
  • What’s your experience been with using drugs? How about alcohol?
  • I see that you have been sick with (ILLNESS) for a long time. Have you seen a doctor or nurse
    about this problem?