A field study of interviews with child witnesses and alleged victims was conducted. The National Institute of Child and Human Development (NICHD) codebook served as the framework to examine a sample of 45 interviews with children ranging in age from three to 16. Results showed that pre-substantive practices were observed rarely. An examination of the questions asked during the substantive phase revealed that, on average, 40% were option-posing, 30% were directive, and 8% were invitations. Invitations produced the longest interviewee responses and the largest number of details that were central to the investigation. The implications of these findings for interviewing practices and policy are discussed.