Access to Justice for Child Victims of CSA in England and Wales
: The role of planning and assessment in ABE interviewing

  • Kathleen Richardson

Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

Forensic investigative interviews are often referred to as Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interviews. ABE interviewing is well researched but little attention is paid to the effectiveness and improvement of ABE interviews in practice, giving rise to multiple criticisms. This research responds to a gap in the literature by exploring the practice and examining the contribution of conducting assessments of children prior to ABE interviews and the implementation of planning factors within the ABE interview process. An initial survey was conducted of all Police Services in England and Wales to identify standards of practice across the two countries. The research then focused on exploring in depth the experience and attitudes of police officers and support workers currently practising in the field. The research further draws on the experience of stakeholders and the researcher as a specialist in the field to consider the implications for practice in ABE interviewing. The findings demonstrate a lack of consistency across the practice of ABE interview planning and processes in England and Wales. Despite guidance, many ABE interviews are not planned. Attitudes of police officers and support workers constitute barriers to working together to improve planning and ABE interviewing processes. Children experience additional distress when ABE interview processes are not well planned. The research demonstrates that the importance of planning and assessment for ABE interviewing is recognised in guidance and in the processes adopted by most police services in England and Wales. However, guidance is not always adhered to, professionals outside of law enforcement are not consulted to the best advantage, and planning falls short of what children need. This has repercussions for child victims of sexual abuse in that it increases traumatic experiences and limits children’s access to justice. The research further draws on the experience of stakeholders and the researcher as a specialist in the field to consider the implications for practice in ABE interviewing.
Date of Award14 Dec 2022
Original languageEnglish
SupervisorBarry Percy-Smith (Main Supervisor)

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