| NCJ Number: |
192141  |
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| Title: |
Child in Court: A Subject Review (RE9923) |
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| Journal: |
American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement Volume:104 Issue:5 Dated:November 1999 Pages:1-7 |
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| Corporate Author: |
American Academy of Pediatrics
United States of America |
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| Date Published: |
November 1999 |
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| Page Count: |
7 |
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| Sponsoring Agency: |
American Academy of Pediatrics
Elk Grove Village, IL 60040 |
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| Document: |
PDF |
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| Type: |
Legislation/Policy Description |
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| Format: |
Article |
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| Language: |
English |
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| Country: |
United States of America |
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| Annotation: |
This paper identifies common events that affect children involved
in the U.S. judicial system and addresses the various settings,
events, expectations, and sources of conflict and stress that
children are likely to experience; it also reviews the relevant
new policies and procedures and provides guidelines for
pediatricians who work with children who must become witnesses.
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| Abstract: |
Children are involved in the U.S. court system in child
protection cases, status-offense proceedings, parental divorce or
parentage cases, and delinquency cases. This paper reviews the
experiences of children and adolescents in each of these types of
cases. Should a child be called as a witness in any case, the
legal system is interested in three questions about a child's
competence as a witness: Can the child receive and relay
information accurately? Does the child know the difference
between telling the truth and telling a lie? Does the child
understand the need to tell the truth in court? Pediatricians are
an important source of support for children who may be witnesses,
from the initial contact through preparation for court appearance
and the legal negotiation process until after the court
proceedings. Pediatricians can help prepare children for court
appearances by explaining what will occur and that the child will
always be accompanied by a supportive person, such as a parent.
They can help minimize the anxiety of children by explaining that
they will not be judged on their performance in the courtroom,
that efforts will be made to ensure safety from recrimination,
and that questions should be answered to the best of their
ability. Mental health referrals may be indicated, including
referrals to therapists with special legal expertise. 12
references
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| Main Term(s): |
Juvenile witnesses |
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| Index Term(s): |
Child abuse; Child abuse and neglect hearings; Medical and dental services; Witness assistance |
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| Note: |
Downloaded 12/05/2001. |
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To cite this abstract, use the following link:
http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=192141 |
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