Programmes 3 - 6 age group - Institute for Child Witness Research and Training

Programme For The 3 - 6 Age Group

book_bob_anThis preparation programme aims to:
  • improve the child’s ability to answer questions in court in the most accurate, complete and truthful manner;
  • reduce the fear and trauma created by lack of knowledge and misconceptions regarding the child’s role in the legal process;
  • increase the child’s understanding of the serious nature of the legal process; and
  • increase the child’s understanding of his or her role in the legal proceedings, thereby empowering the child and making post-trial adjustment easier.

 

MODULE 1:    INTRODUCTORY MODULE
On completion of this module the child witness will:
  • understand the reasons why people go to court;
  • understand the steps in the criminal justice system; and
  • recognise and deal with feelings.
MODULE 2:    WHO’S WHO
On completion of this module the child witness will:
  • know the story of ‘Bobo and Annie’;
  • recognise the role-players in the courtroom;
  • understand the functions of the role-players in the court;
  • know what people wear in the courtroom;
  • recognise and deal with feelings; and
  • know how to use stress reduction techniques.
MODULE 3:     WHAT DO COURTS LOOK LIKE?
On completion of this module the child witness will:
  • recognise the layout of the special courtroom;
  • know the position of the role-players in the special courtroom;
  • understand the purpose of the special courtroom;
  • know who the intermediary is and what her functions are; and
  • recognise and deal with feelings.
MODULE 4:    WHAT HAPPENS IN COURT?
On completion of this module the child witness will:
  • understand what happens in the special courtroom;
  • understand the questioning process that will take place when they testify;
  • understand the concept of a court decision and punishment;
  • understand the concept of a comfort item; and
  • recognise and deal with feelings.
MODULE 5:    TRUTH AND LIES
On completion of this module the child witness will:
  • understand the concepts of right and wrong;
  • understand the distinction between truth and lies;
  • understand the importance of telling the truth;
  • andrecognise and deal with feelings.
MODULE 6:    MY JOB IN COURT
On completion of this module the child witness will:
  • understand what is expected of him/her as a witness in court;
  • know how to answer types of questions, including:
  • I don’t know’;
  • I don’t remember’;
  • Wrong guess’; and
  • I don’t understand’;
  • recognise other possible eventualities that may occur during the trial; and
  • recognise and deal with feelings.
MODULE 7:   MY DAY IN COURT
On completion of this module the child witness will:
  • be prepared for his/her day in court, including:
  • what to do when he/she wakes up;
  • what to do when he/she arrives at the court building;
  • what to do when meeting the prosecutor;
  • how to cope with waiting periods;
  • testifying in court; and
  • going home; and
  • recognise and deal with feelings.
MODULE 8:    COURT VISIT
On completion of this module the child witness will:
  • have revised the information provided in the previous modules through practical role-play, including:
  • court procedure;role-players in the courtroom and their jobs;
  • what people wear in court;
  • the position of the role-players in the courtroom;
  • be desensitised to the courtroom through play;
  • be familiar with the court experience; and
  • recognise and deal with feelings.
MODULE 9:    AFTER COURT
On completion of this module the child witness will:
  • understand his/her feelings about testifying;
  • feel empowered; and
  • experience closure with regards to his/her role as a witness.

 

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