 |
 |
 |
Vol.
25, No. 1
November 2019
Tips for Conducting Effective Intake Interviews
CPS intake isn't simply listening to and documenting the reporter's comments on the intake form. Intake is a structured interview of the reporter that focuses on gaining the detailed, behaviorally specific information necessary to determine if a CPS assessment is warranted (Capacity Building Center, 2018). Because intake interviews can be challenging, we'd like to provide a few tips for conducting them effectively.
Let them speak. One of the first questions we ask at intake is, "What happened to the child?" When the reporter begins answering, let them give a full statement without interrupting. When we interrupt someone, it disrupts their memory and train of thought (NCDSS, 2015). Ultimately, interruptions increase the likelihood the reporter will omit important details about what is going on with the family--details we need to assess safety and risk.
Take notes and follow up. At the same time, we know you will have follow-up questions for the reporter. While he or she is talking, track important details you want to follow up on. Once they've shared their initial statement, proceed to your follow-up questions. Follow-up questions should focus on who, what, when, where, and how the event allegedly occurred. We can also get more detail by giving open-ended prompts such as: "Tell me more about that" and "What happened next?"
Guide the discussion. Because of the number of questions you must ask, be intentional about being in control of the interview, so you can obtain the information you need during your contact with the reporter.
Use a strengths-based approach. Intake sets the tone for how we will work with the family. We must be family-centered in our approach, and we do this by asking about the family's strengths. Since most reporters don't expect to be asked about strengths, you may need to educate them on why you want this information and how it can be used to keep the child safe. Asking about strengths communicates that we truly want a balanced perspective of the family. This may even lead the reporter to give us more information about what they see going on, especially if the reporter has a personal relationship with the family (NCDSS, 2019).
Remember this key question. In general, while completing the intake interview, keep this key question in mind: What information does the CPS assessor need to complete their assessment timely and well?