Child Protection

In response to the Evidence and Procedure Review, a national team of experienced officers and social workers developed a new approach to joint investigative interviewing, Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM), in line with national and international research and best practice evidence. This trauma-informed model of practice incorporates an evidence-based interview protocol and is underpinned by specialised training for practitioners and ongoing professional development for interviewers. Multi-agency partnerships led by Social Work and Police drive forward work locally in line with agreed quality standards. Feedback from children and families is crucial in ongoing development and strengthening well evidenced model.

Police Scotland are supporting development of Scottish Government’s Barnahus or Bairns’ Hoose through local partnership development work as Pathfinder or Affiliate areas and also nationally, to create a consistent approach and response in terms of interviewing equipment for Video Recorded interviews (VRIs) to improve the trauma-informed approach to dealing with and supporting children and young people who have experienced significant harm.