In interviews with a child, when should guardians be involved?

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When interviewing a child, the priority is the child’s welfare and comfort, while still gathering reliable information. Guardians should be involved when it is appropriate to support the child, provide emotional reassurance, and help the child feel safe during the process. This involvement should be planned and purposeful, taking into account factors like the child’s age, developmental level, trauma history, the guardian-child relationship, and safety considerations. Guardians are not invited by default, but they can play a valuable role in reducing distress and aiding communication. There are situations where guardian involvement isn’t appropriate—such as when a guardian could influence or endanger the child—so the decision is made case by case to balance protection with the child’s need to be heard.