WORKING WITH AVOIDANT CHILDREN - A CLINICAL CHALLENGE

Clinicians have become increasingly aware of the difficulty inherent i n interviewing avoidant children for possible maltreatment. Evaluation s of avoidant children in cases involving multiple risk factors for ma ltreatment are often the most complex. The dilemma lies in balancing f orensic standards while ensuring that every effort is made to enable c hildren to relate their experiences. It is incumbent upon the evaluato r to be aware of the reasons children may resist sharing their experie nces. Initial stages of the interview process are discussed, including techniques for dealing with avoidant children.