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 What is Kids' Court? An innovative court awareness program developed to help child victims of sexual abuse and their families better deal with having to testify in court. King County Kids' Court Mission Statement Children who have undergone sexual victimization or have suffered from some other traumatic event and suddenly and involuntarily become involved in the criminal justice system are very often re-traumatized by having to testify in court. It is our philosophy that no child should appear in a court of law without assistance in making that experience less intimidating. It is our aim to educate and support children scheduled to testify, and to provide assistance to parents in coping with the court system. What is Kids' Court? Kids' Court is a five-hour experiential and activity-based program. It is held at least 4 times a year on Saturdays from 9:30 to 2:00 p.m. in a courtroom at the King County Courthouse. Through discussions with a judge and prosecutor, the use of role playing, puppets, life-size dolls, art, and musical activities, children learn about the legal process and at the same time experience court as a place that is safe and respectful of them. Lunch is provided and families, program staff, and court personnel can interact informally together. Who attends King County Kids' Court? Child victims of sexual assault, ages 4 to 12, who face testifying in court attend this program. Parents and guardians are requested to attend a collateral program designed to address their specific concerns. Why Kids' Court? Children who testify in court are especially vulnerable to system-induced trauma. This can be the result of having to confront the accused publicly and re-telling what happened to them. King County Kids' Court helps children view testifying in court as something that can be accomplished rather than something about which they are only afraid and anxious. For further information, please contact: Donna Belin, Director E-Mail: Donna Belin * To view this information, it is necessary to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. You can download a free copy of the Acrobat Reader or visit Adobe's site to get more information. May 2006 |
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