Child abuse is considered to be the most difficult type of criminal investigation, particularly due to the vulnerability of child victims. Police officers should conduct child abuse investigations from a prosecutorial perspective and should be knowledgeable of the stages in prosecution (preliminary hearing, arraignment, trial, and sentencing). In addition, police officers should be sensitive to the child's age and family dynamics and should strive to protect children against further abuse and neglect. Police officers should also be aware of the stages in juvenile court proceedings (detention, adjudication, disposition, review, and termination hearings) and should realize the successful prosecution of a child abuse case depends on police collaboration with other relevant individuals and organizations. In preparing a child abuse case for court, police officers should collect and document evidence at the crime scene, prepare a list of evidence, know the prosecutor, and understand State child abuse laws. The videotape covers the credibility of child witnesses, the importance of witness preparation, the trauma experienced by abused children, the stress children experience when testifying in court, and the need for police officers to be aware of questions they may be asked in court.