An innovative court awareness program developed to help child victims of sexual abuse and their families better deal with 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. 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.
Child victims of sexual assault, ages 4 to 12, who face testifying in court attend this program. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend a collateral program designed to address their specific concerns. 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.