Chapter 1. The Forensic Assessment 1
The Forensic Referral Question 2
The Scope of the Forensic Assessment 3
Guidelines for Conducting Forensic Assessments 5
Advocacy Role 8
Chapter 2. The Nature of Memory 11
Earliest Memories 12
Memory Capacity 13
Levels of Information Processing 14
Learning and Memory Strategies 15
The Reconstructive Nature of Memory 16
Knowledge About One's Memory 17
Stages of Memory 18
Accuracy of Memories 21
Chapter 3. The Effects of the Forensic Process Upon Memory 27
Motivation 27
Stress 28
Time Delays 29
Cuing 29
Multiple Interviews 30
Aggressive Interviewing 30
Group Memories 31
Adult Approval 32
Court Preparation 32
Chapter 4. Special Issues in Sexual Abuse Investigations 35
Symptomatology 35
Psychotherapy 37
Repressed Memories 39
Dissociation 40
Dissociative Identity Disorder 41
Hypnosis 42
Cults 43
Custody Litigation 43
The Vengeful Youth 45
Chapter 5. The Nonleading-Leading Continuum 47
The Continuum 48
Nonleading Techniques 49
Minimally Leading Techniques 49
Moderately Leading Techniques 49
Maximally Leading Techniques 51
Interviewing Aids 52
Anatomically Detailed Dolls 53
Chapter 6. Basic Competencies and Support Systems 57
Formal Training 57
Supervised Training 58
Emotional Support System 59
Legal Knowledge 60
Continuing Education 61
Chapter 7. Background Information-Definingthe Context 65
Factors Influencing the Child's Allegations 66
Factors Influencing Treatment Decisions 73
Chapter 8. Common Issues in Sexual Abuse Investigations 81
Attitude 81
Preparation 82
Stages of the Interview Process 83
Where Should the Interview Be Conducted? 84
Who Should Be Interviewed? 85
Recording the Interviews 87
How Many Interviews? 88
How Many Investigators? 88
Relating to the Child 89
Language 91
Dealing with Resistance 93
Exploring Routines 93
Visual Imagery 94
Spontaneous Story Telling 94
Interviewing Aids 95
Closing the Interview 96
Medical Evaluations 96
Lie Detectors 97
Psychological Testing 97
Chapter 9. Assessing Credibility and Validity 99
The Child's Statements 99
Interviewers and Interview Techniques 102
Analysis of Significant Others 104
Environmental Factors 106
Symptomatology and Psychopathology 107
Chapter 10. Four Steps to the Final Decision 111
Types of Conclusions and Errors 111
Unanswered Questions 112
The Decision-Making Process 113
Chapter 11. Concluding Remarks 117
References 121
Name Index 133
Subject Index 137