Abstract:
The very youngest children (three to five years of age) are one of the most challenging groups to
interview. However, this group is also seen as vulnerable to maltreatment. Limited language
abilities, short attention span, lack of experience serving as primary sources of information, and
narrow life experiences are only a few of the challenges for preschoolers when asked to serve as
witnesses. As Senior Trainer and Curriculum Chair for the National Children’s Advocacy Center
(NCAC), a long-time forensic interviewer and a former preschool teacher, the author has an
interest in providing an adaption of the NCAC Child Forensic Interview Structure (CFIS) to better
meet the needs of the youngest children who are challenged by the demands of these unique
conversations. A number of issues are raised by the blanket application of “best practice”
principles when interviewing preschool children. In this paper I will consider some of the
developmental issues and concerns for preschool children and will also provide recommendation
for possible adaptations of the NCAC CFIS with preschoolers.