What rights does the alleged victim have during an interview by a child protective agency?

• A. The victim has the option of being interviewed in private or selecting an adult staff member to sit in.
• B. The victim must be interviewed by a male officer.
• C. The victim has no choice about setting.
• D. The victim must be interviewed in front of classmates.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that an alleged victim has privacy and support rights during a child protective services interview. The preferred approach is to conduct the interview in private, and the child can choose an adult staff member to sit in if they want someone they trust present. This setup helps the child feel safe, reduces pressure or influence, and supports clear, honest communication.

Interviews should not be dictated by gender or done in public settings like in front of classmates. There is no rule requiring the interview to be with a male officer, and forcing a classroom setting would violate confidentiality and the child’s sense of safety. The process is about privacy and the option to have a trusted adult present, not about restricting choice or exposing the child to unnecessary witnesses.