Preparing Children for Court
Course Description
Students will learn creative strategies for empowering children to effectively handle the stress of testifying in court. Students will also learn of creative pre-trial motions and other strategies to modify the courtroom and the procedures of testifying which, if granted, may make it easier for a child to testify. This workshop examines research on common fears children have about testifying and discusses best practices for addressing these fears before, during and after the courtroom testimony.
Learning Objectives
1. Learn strategies for to empower the child to respond to the stresses of court, including explaining the legal process in a developmentally appropriate manner, scheduling the testimony at a time in which the child functions best, and familiarizing the child with courtroom technology and personnel.
2. Review seven pre-trial motions that limit or remove obstacles to taking a child’s testimony including the administration of a developmentally appropriate oath, silent objections, and requiring attorneys to ask questions a child can understand.
Please check out the upcoming training calendar to view upcoming training sessions for individuals, or choose request training to bring a session to your organization.
