WHAT: Practice guidance on how to communicate with children and young people who have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse. It includes chapters on understanding how abuse may affect children and young people, types and stages of interviewing, and core communication skills required by workers. It also contains a code of conduct for staff, a set of training exercises for practicing communication skills, and specific guidance on older children and those with special needs.
WHO: Social workers, police, and other professionals working with child victims. Also to be used by trainers of such professionals.
WHERE: Global relevance
WHY: This is a very useful resource for new and experienced staff in developing sensitive and effective communication skills when with very vulnerable children and young people. It gives broad communication skills advice for helping children feel listened to and assisting in the process of their recovery. It also provides detailed guidance and sample language for staff to use when undertaking child protection interviews.
N.B. For a library of resources specifically on child victims of trafficking, go to www.childtrafficking.com
