NCJ Number
181505
Date Published
2000
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Judges play a critical role in ensuring that children who are victims of or witnesses to a crime receive the support and accommodation they need to effectively participate in the criminal justice process.
Abstract
Accordingly, the videotape is one in a series developed for criminal justice professionals, community practitioners, and policymakers concerned about children who are exposed to violence. The videotape describes programs in Arizona, Virginia, and the District of Columbia to help children prepare for court. Maricopa County, Arizona, has a victim-witness advocate who works one-on-one with children in teaching them what court is all about prior to the actual case. The program is designed to remove barriers and recognizes that child witnesses need a child-friendly courtroom and that judges need to be competent in talking to children. In Virginia, the approach is to attempt to combine civil and criminal cases involving children so that children only have to testify once. The approach also aims to give prosecutors the tools they need to support children, to help prosecutors know what helps and hurts victims, and to ensure those involved in cases involving children understand legal and psychological aspects of the particular case. The experience of the D.C. Superior Court in dealing with a sexual assault case illustrates the importance of dealing with children's concerns and fears, believing what children say, and showing a caring attitude toward children. The overall goal of all programs described in the videotape is to make the courtroom experience a positive one for children.