DEFENCE FOR CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL (DCI) - Belgium | Practical Guide WHAT ARE THE COMMON ISSUES AND PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT OCCUR? Be aware and be prepared to face the following problems or issues while interviewing: ʺʺ Children answering questions to which they do not know the response; ʺʺ Children down playing some issues or exaggerating others particularly in front of other children to gain “kudos”; ʺʺ Children telling the interviewer what they believe the interviewer wants to hear or what they have been taught by the staff; ʺʺ Children not saying anything because they fear that the disclosed information will lead to reprisals when the monitoring team has gone; ʺʺ Children whose train of thought and / or speech is difficult to understand and to follow. As an introduction to the interview , monitor should make children feel safe by ensuring that they: ʺʺ Introduce themselves properly before interviewing and giving the possibility to the child to introduce him/herself; ʺʺ Explain the purpose of the interview, what the information they give will be used for and the limitations of the things the monitoring body can or cannot change; ʺʺ Explain why they are taking notes/using a recorder during the interview and how it will be kept confidential; ʺʺ Explain that children are free to end the interview at any time. In addition, consider ice-breakers before starting off interviews with children. Sit down and have lunch with them; play a game or join a sport activity; have a look and discuss artistic works made by children before getting started (recommended if time and security measure allow it). Then, whilst questioning children to obtain information, interviewers should build trust and confidence towards children and demonstrate how safe they can feel with them by: ʺʺ Starting with conversational or non-controversial questions and work towards more sensitive issues; ʺʺ Using an informal and relaxed approach to help children feel at ease. ʺʺ Understanding that it may take some time for children to become sufficiently comfortable talking (especially if the events they are recalling are traumatic ones); ʺʺ Emphatically understanding children’s situation and feelings; 76