Forensic assessment of children with disabilities following alleged sexual abuse: Perspectives and practices of South African forensic social workers

Forensic social workers (FSWs) are essential in assessing children who are allegedly sexually abused, but disability-related impairments can make forensic assessments particularly challenging by affecting communication, development, functioning, and participation. This study explored South African FSW’s perspectives and practices when assessing children with disabilities in cases of alleged sexual abuse. A qualitative approach with a qualitative descriptive design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with nine FSWs in private practice. The findings indicate that participants generally employed established forensic interviewing principles while adapting the implementation of assessments according to individual children's developmental, communication, functional, and environmental needs. Participants also identified limitations in disability-specific training, the need for ongoing professional learning and interprofessional consultation, and barriers within the wider justice system. The findings suggest that disability-responsive forensic practice requires a balance between procedural standardisation and individualised accommodation. The study highlights the need for disability-sensitive training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and justice processes that support the meaningful participation of children with disabilities. Further research involving children with disabilities and other justice-system stakeholders is required to evaluate specific assessment adaptations and inform evidence-based practice.