Data were collected from observations, assessments, and interviews with three groups of children including children in the Australian Capital Territory who used CCTV, children in the same region who did not use CCTV, and children in New South Wales who did not use CCTV. The findings showed that there were few observed differences between the three groups of children and that the factor that most influenced the children's emotional state was whether or not they used CCTV when they wanted to. Lawyers were more supportive and magistrates intervened more often in court proceedings when CCTV was used. All children who used CCTV said it was easier for them to testify than in open court, and professional groups and parents of child witnesses agreed that CCTV reduced children's stress. Respondents generally felt use of CCTV was fair to both the defendant and child witness. The commission recommended that child witnesses be allowed to use CCTV unless they do not wish to use it or unless there is a compelling reason why it should not be used. 34 notes and 3 appendixes