Preparing Children for Court, page 6

Part 3: Advance Preparation

More of this Feature •Part 1: Learn the Procedures •Part 2: Learn the Players •Part 3: In Advance •Part 4: To Do/Not To Do •CHAPTER I

Visiting the Courthouse

Fear of the unknown is perhaps the greatest fear that mankind and 'kidkind' can face. There are many terrible experiences in life but the worst are the those that are unknown. Usually what we imagine is much worse than the reality. And so it is with all new experiences, including going to court. As long as the courtroom and its players remain faceless they remain more frightening. Often, if you can provide a child with a field trip to the courthouse and meet some of the people there, their worry is reduced. For that reason, I think it is important for all olderchildren to go and visit the courthouse before a hearing.

• If no one calls you to arrange a visit, contact the Social Worker, Guardian, or Prosecutor and schedule a visit yourself.
• Try to make sure that all three will be available before the hearing. But if they won't do it, go yourself. Most courthouses allow public access although some have heightened security and may not let you into the actual courtroom without one of the above being present.
• Even if you have an appointment, be prepared to wait. Also, if more than one child is involved, the prosecutor will probably want to talk to each child separately.
• Bring materials such as magazines, a coloring book or favorite doll to occupy their time. These things will help to make the courtroom and the people there a more friendly place.

Practice Court Procedures

If possible, the child should go through a bit of his or her testimony. This may not be appropriate on the first visit and you may have to come back a second time.

Other aspects of Court can be practiced such as speaking into the microphone, taking the oath, "All rise, Court is now in session", etc.

After all of the more required visits are made, you might want to go back on a moresocial basis, again trying to humanize the whole process. If no one else mentions it, you should mention to the child that sometimes several hearings are held and they may have to go back again.

Next page > To Do/Not To Do > Page 1, 2, 3, 4

© Emil Baldwin, Jr., LSW

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