Consider the following scenario:
You have been asked to conduct an interview with a juvenile who posted on social media that he plans to “merk” (murder) a classmate who he believes stole his girlfriend. Some of his peers saw the posting and alerted their parents who called law enforcement. The juvenile is now detained, charged with felony terroristic threating via electronic media. On arraignment, the judge has denied bail and deemed that he is a danger to others. As such, the judge further remanded him to remain in a detention setting during the process of adjudication. You have been tasked with assessing his level of risk/dangerousness for appropriate facility placement.
Review the “Juvenile Interview Case and Template” document in the Learning Resource and use it to consider the level of dangerousness of the juvenile in the scenario and what might be an appropriate facility placement for him.
Review the Kaltura interactive media resource in the Learning Resources, as you will be creating a video post for this Discussion.
Post your 3- to 5-minute video response to the following:
What information would you want to review prior to interviewing a juvenile?
Explain how you would alter your interviewing style to accommodate a juvenile.
Explain the techniques that you would use to gain trust with the juvenile, set a positive tone, and determine his or her level of dangerousness.
Altering Interviewing Style for a Juvenile 🗣️
Interviewing a juvenile, especially one in a detention setting facing a serious charge, requires significant adjustments from an adult-focused style.
| Interview Style Adjustment | Explanation |
| Language & Complexity | Use simple, age-appropriate language and avoid legal or clinical jargon. Keep questions direct and brief to accommodate shorter attention spans and potential stress-related cognitive impairment. |
| Pace & Breaks | Adopt a slower pace with frequent, sanctioned breaks. Juvenile interviews can be draining. A deliberate pace signals patience and reduces feelings of coercion. |
| Authority & Tone | Maintain a calm, non-confrontational, and non-judgmental tone. Avoid acting as a "law enforcer" or a "jury." Position myself as a neutral professional focused on understanding his situation and ensuring his safety. |
| Concrete vs. Abstract | Focus on concrete events (what happened, where, and when) rather than abstract concepts (long-term consequences, future goals) until trust is established. |
| Self-Determination | Acknowledge his current lack of control, but offer small, appropriate choices (e.g., choice of chair, break time) to foster a minimal sense of autonomy and respect. |
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3. Techniques for Trust, Tone, and Dangerousness Assessment 🤝
A. Gaining Trust and Setting a Positive Tone
Establishing a Contract: Begin by clearly explaining my role (risk assessor, not police or prosecutor), the purpose of the interview (facility placement/safety), and the concept of confidentiality and its limits (mandatory reporting, court requirements). This manages expectations and provides structure.
Rapport-Building (The "Hook"): Start with neutral topics—ask about things he likes or is good at (e.g., music, sports, general interests, non-threatening school subjects). This allows him to experience success and feel valued before discussing the offense.
Active Listening & Validation: Use consistent eye contact (culturally appropriate), nodding, and reflective listening (e.g., "So, you felt really angry when your friend started dating her, is that right?"). This validates his emotions without validating the behavior.
B. Determining Level of Dangerousness
The core of the interview is to assess the severity, immediacy, and capability of the threat.
Inquiry into the Threat:
Intent: "When you wrote that, what did you really want to happen?" Assess if the post was an impulsive outburst, a cry for help, or a genuine homicidal plan.
Specificity/Lethality: Ask about the plan's details. "Did you think about how you would do it?" "Do you have access to any weapons?" (Firearms, knives, etc.). Specific plan + available means = High Risk.
Motive/Precipitant: "What led you to post that right then?" Explore the depth of his anger and the role of the alleged theft and peer reaction.
Mental Status Assessment: Look for signs of:
Impulsivity: History of quick emotional reactions or poorly controlled anger.
Lack of Remorse/Empathy: Does he understand the victim's and peers' fear?
Homicidal/Suicidal Ideation (H/S I): Directly ask about current thoughts of hurting himself or others. "Are you still feeling like you want to hurt your classmate now?"
Risk Factors and Protective Factors: Syste
Sample Answer
Interviewing a Juvenile for Risk Assessment
In this high-stakes scenario involving a juvenile charged with felony terroristic threatening, a comprehensive and sensitive interview is crucial for assessing his level of risk and determining appropriate placement. My 3-to 5-minute video response will cover the necessary preparation, interview adjustments, and specific techniques for the assessment.
1. Information to Review Prior to the Interview 🕵️
Before meeting the juvenile, I would conduct a thorough file review to gather objective and historical data. This preparatory step ensures I am well-informed and can use the limited interview time efficiently.