How should caseworkers approach witnesses with limitations?

• A. Use the same method for all witnesses
• B. Use varied methods based on the nature of the witness's limitation
• C. Ignore limitations
• D. Treat all testimony the same

Answer: (B)

Tailor the interview to each witness’s limitations, because different limitations affect how someone communicates, processes information, and recalls events. A one-size-fits-all approach can miss details or distort what happened. For a hearing-impaired witness, provide an interpreter or captioning, use visual aids, and check for understanding at a slower pace. For someone with limited literacy, use plain language, speak directly, and offer summaries or written questions in simple terms. For cognitive or memory-related limitations, break questions into small steps, allow extra time, avoid leading prompts, and consider corroborating details to verify memory. For language barriers, bring in a qualified interpreter and translated materials to ensure accurate meaning. For emotional distress or trauma history, create a calm environment, offer breaks, and pace questioning to reduce retraumatization. For physical disabilities, ensure accessible spaces and accommodate seating or assistive devices. The goal is to maximize accuracy, fairness, and voluntary cooperation by matching methods to the specific limitation rather than applying the same approach to every witness.