MONITORING METHODOLOGY ʺʺ Observing children’s reactions and, if needed, interrupt or stop the session in case of extra-sensitivity or aggression for example; ʺʺ Clearly distinguishing your own feelings from that of children; ʺʺ Adopting a non-intrusive approach that will respect the privacy and intimacy of children. The interviewers’ behaviour and physical language is also of high importance. While listening to children’ stories, no judgmental signals can be given by the interviewers . In addition, children must feel that monitors ʺʺ Trust them; ʺʺ Are considering them at the centre of their attention; ʺʺ Are not judging them; ʺʺ Are empathic to the way they feel and express themselves; ʺʺ Are patient; ʺʺ Have a genuine interest in their views and opinions and their current situation; ʺʺ Are aiming at gathering this information in order to contribute to the development of better protection for all children. Furthermore, in order to be sure to get unbiased information, interviewer should: ʺʺ Encourage children to give their information and tell their story in their own words by using open-ended questions; ʺʺ Explain that it is acceptable to tell the interviewer if they do not know the answer to a question; ʺʺ Explain that they should correct the interviewer if s/he is mistaken or incorrect; ʺʺ Avoid leading questions or comments that may make children feel coerced or pressured into giving a certain answer as well as questions that could be negatively received by children; ʺʺ Avoid repeated questions as it may lead children to believe their previous answer was ‘wrong’; ʺʺ Use simple, age-appropriate language and ensure that children understand the correct meaning of the question; ʺʺ To get more detail use follow-up questions, e.g. “And then what happened?”; ʺʺ Plan to vary the rhythms of the interview so that it is not too tiring and trying for children. 77 4