Who may interview the alleged victim on school premises?

• A. A random student
• B. A school administrator
• C. A child protective agency representative
• D. The parent

Answer: (C)

Interviews with an alleged victim must be conducted by a trained professional who can ensure safety, neutrality, and an accurate, developmentally appropriate interview. A child protective services representative is the best fit on school premises because they are specially trained to conduct investigations, ask non-leading questions, and document information properly for mandated reporting. They have the authority and protocols to handle child welfare concerns, coordinate with other agencies as needed, and protect the student’s safety and confidentiality.

A random student lacks training and could unintentionally influence what the child says or jeopardize safety. A school administrator, while trusted, isn’t typically trained to conduct formal investigative interviews or manage the reporting process in a way that meets legal and policy standards. A parent is not appropriate for an interview on school grounds due to potential bias, safety concerns, and conflicts of interest that could affect the child’s statement and protection needs. Thus, a child protective services representative is the appropriate person to interview on campus.