Working with Qualified and Registered Interpreters

All agencies need to ensure they are able to communicate fully with parents and children when they have concerns about child abuse and neglect and ensure that family members and professionals fully understand the exchanges that take place.

Consideration should be given to the use of intermediaries during interviews, assessments and/or advocacy, when appropriate.

In taking a referral, social workers must identify the preferred language of the child, parents and other significant family members. 

The use of accredited interpreters must be considered whenever undertaking enquiries involving children and/or family:

For those whose English is not the first language (even if reasonably fluent in English, the option of an interpreter must be available.

Family, friends or involved professionals should not be used as interpreters within the interviews although can be used to arrange appointments and establish language and communication preferences. Children should never be used as interpreters.

For children and/or parents requiring interpreters, it is vital to establish their dialect, pertaining to their country of origin, as it might have significant outcomes for the translation. It should also be noted that cultural issues between the interpreter and the victim/witness might have a bearing on the translation or disclosure. When planning using an interpreter, consideration should always be given to gender, race and religious and cultural beliefs respected.

The particular needs of a child for whom English is not the first language should be considered at an early point in the planning of the enquiry (Strategy Discussion stage).

All interviews should be tailored to the individual needs of the child and a written explanation included in the plan about any departure from usual standards.

Every effort should be made to enable such a child to tell their story directly to those undertaking enquiries.

Workers interviewing children should be patient; identifying needs across a language barrier takes time. However, the time spent up-front will be paid back by a good rapport and clear communication that will avoid wasted time and dangerous misunderstandings. 

Building trust with a child or young person will also take time in order for them to open up and talk about the issue you want to discuss with them, particularly if they have been told not to talk about those issues.

Workers must remember to speak more slowly when using an interpreter to ensure information is translated correctly, and allow for the child or young person to respond. This will also promote an atmosphere of calmness.

If the child or young person becomes anxious, distressed or overtired, check this out, and if necessary, take a break.

It may be necessary to seek further advice from professionals who know the child well.

Interviewers should be aware that some children will be perfectly fluent in English but will use their family language for intimate parts of the body.

When the child is interviewed, it may be helpful for an appropriate professional to assist the interviewer and child. Careful planning is required for the role of this adviser.

Investigative Interviews

Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings: Guidance on interviewing victims and witnesses, and guidance on using special measures (Ministry of Justice) provides guidance on interviewing vulnerable witnesses, including those with learning disabilities and on the use of interpreters and intermediaries.

Interviews with witnesses with special communication needs may require the use of an interpreter or intermediary and are generally much slower. The interview may be long and tiring for the witness and might need to be broken into 2 or 3 parts, preferably (but not necessarily) held on the same day.

A witness should be interviewed in the language of their choice, and vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children, may have a supporter present when being interviewed.

If the family's first language is not English, and even if they appear reasonably fluent, the offer of an interpreter should be made, as it is essential that all issues are understood and fully explained.

Interpreters used for interviewing children should have been subject to references, DBS checks and a written agreement regarding confidentiality. Whenever possible, they should be used to interpret their own first language. Establish any preferences regarding the gender of the interpreter. For example, in cases of Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage, or So Called 'Honour-Based' Abuse, the interpreter must not have any connection with the family or be someone who is prominent or influential in the individual's community. There should also be a discussion with the interpreter to understand their own understanding of Female Genital Mutilation, Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage, and to check whether they have any particular beliefs in these areas.  

Social workers need to first meet with the interpreter to explain the nature of the investigation, the aims and plan of the interview, and clarify:

• The interpreter's role in translating direct communications between professionals and family members;
• The need to avoid acting as a representative of the family;
• When the interpreter is required to translate everything that is said and when to summarise;
• That the interpreter is prepared to translate the exact words that are likely to be used, especially critical for sexual abuse;
• When the interpreter will explain any cultural issues that might be overlooked (usually at the end, unless any impede the process);
• The interpreter's availability to interpret at other interviews and meetings and provide written translations of reports (taped versions if literacy is an issue);
• Consideration should be given as to whether two interpreters are needed.  One to voiceover and one to sign (working with special communication skills or British Sign Language procedure); or an additional interpreter to monitor and ensure accuracy.   

Family members may choose to bring their own interpreter as a supporter.

Invitations to child protection conferences and reports must be translated into a language/medium that is understood by the family.