The Children and Young People Centre for Justice (CYCJ) has published its evaluation of the Scottish Child Interview Model for Joint Investigative Interviewing.
The Scottish Child Interview Model, known as ‘SCIM’, is a five-component model of practice for the joint investigative interviewing (JII) (a term used in Scotland for forensic interviewing) of children, which is trauma-informed and aims to minimise the risk of further traumatisation, while seeking to achieve best evidence through improved planning and interviewing techniques.
The model was developed by police and social work to ensure that children’s statements are taken in a way that minimises harm and maximises the quality of the information obtained for use in child protection and justice processes. The model is derived from research on best practice for forensic interviewing and is a carefully designed approach that promotes the gathering of accurate and reliable information from children in a manner that respects their rights and minimises trauma.
The Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice were asked to evaluate how the Scottish Child Interview Model has been implemented across nine partnership areas within Scotland: Edinburgh, North Strathclyde, Fife, Lanarkshire, Lothian and Borders, Ayrshire, Northeast, Dumfries and Galloway and Glasgow.
Our evaluation recognised the value of the Scottish Child Interview Model and includes a series of recommendations for how it can be strengthened.
Citation
Holland, L., Adelaine, A., and Hastings, E. (2025). The Scottish Child Interview Model for Joint Investigative Interviewing: an evaluation. Glasgow: The Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ).