The plight of child witnesses in the criminal justice system is more burdensome than that of their adult counterparts. In particular, young children have more limited language capacity, a shorter attention span, and less developed comprehension of the criminal justice system and their role as a key witness. In addition, the dynamics of child sexual abuse are different than the dynamics of adult rape. The authors attempt to help child-serving professionals from the health, mental health, social work, and legal disciplines understand the complex issues that arise when children become court witnesses. They examine research on the accuracy of children's memories and their susceptibility to misleading information, children's credibility as witnesses, techniques for improving children's testimony, the use of innovative techniques to assist child witnesses, and emotional effects of the court process on child victims. The need for greater preparation of and support for attorneys, social workers, victim advocates, expert witnesses, and judges who are involved in the court process is stressed. Recommendations for action by advocates, legislators, and other policymakers are offered. Endnotes