WUNRN
USA - King County, Washington -
KIDS' COURT - PROCESS, RESOURCES
King County Kids’ Court
Childhood Victimization: Kids’ Court Assists the
Most Vulnerable
Kids’ Court is an innovative
court awareness program developed to:
Help child victims of
sexual abuse and other forms of victimization and trauma and their
families participate effectively in the criminal justice process, AND
Help these children and
families better cope with the experience of going to court. The Kids’ Court Session
Kids’ Court is a five-hour
experiential and activity-based program held at least four times a year on Saturdays
from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in a courtroom at the King County Courthouse in At Kids’ Court, kids
learn that the most important rule of the court is telling the truth. Kids’ Court is designed for
children ages 4-12. As the day progresses children in the group learn:
Why a witness is important
and how to be confident in that role
How kids can participate
successfully in a the legal system through enhancing knowledge of courtroom
procedures
How to reduce feelings of
fear and anxiety though relaxation techniques that are fun, easy and helpful
Practical methods to manage
courtroom worries such as, “What if I start to cry?” or “What if I don’t
understand a question?”
To support and reinforce
these sessions when Kids’ Court is over, each participant receives a book
entitled, “You Are Very Brave” and a relaxation tape. Parent Session
While children attend the Kids’
Court Program, parents and caretakers attend a concurrent program
designed to address their needs and answer their questions about the justice
system. Parents learn:
How to support their child
during their involvement with the justice system
Stress management
techniques to help reduce anxiety and other negative emotions
To share common concerns
about being involved with their child in the legal process
Greater insight into the
criminal justice system
Our community cares and
will respond with sensitivity to the needs of victims and families To support and reinforce the
parent program, each participant receives a Parent Informational Packet and a
relaxation tape. King County Kids’ Court Mission Statement
Children who have experienced
sexual victimization or have suffered from other forms of crime or traumatic
events may suddenly and involuntarily become involved in the criminal justice
system. Many things about this system are complicated and can evoke
feelings of anxiety. The Kids’ Court philosophy is that no child should
encounter having to testify in court without assistance in making that
experience less intimidating. Kids’ Court educates and supports
children and their parents and caretakers as they participate in the criminal
justice process. Kids’ Court Awards and Recognitions
Kids’ Court is nationally
recognized as a “best practices” program and has received many awards and
recognitions including:
Lee Ann Miller Award –
presented by the Children’s Justice Interdisciplinary Task Force in
cooperation with the Department of Social and Health Services
(DSHS) Children’s Administration. Each year the award goes to a
program that has made the greatest impact and / or contribution
to furthering the
Oprah Winfry (Harpo, Inc.)
“I applaud your efforts on behalf of our children and wish you continued
success.”
The U.S. Department of
Justice, Office for Victims of Crime recognizes Kids’ Court as a “best
practices” model program that is exemplary in innovation, development of
partnerships, outreach methods and multidisciplinary approaches that
address the needs of children. Kids’ Court has served
thousands of child victim/witnesses of sexual abuse and other crimes and
their families since the program began in 1989. One parent of a very young
child-abuse victim conveyed the opinion of most Kids’ Court participants when
she said, “Kids’ Court was the most positive experience we’ve had (in dealing
with the legal system). Sharing What
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State
and Local Resources:
Children's Response
Center (CRC) (external link)
Committee for Children (external
link)
Eastside Domestic Violence Program (external
link)
Friends of Youth (external
link)
Health Support Center (external
link)
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
(KCSARC) (external link)
Youth Eastside Services (YES) (external
link) National Resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics (external
link)
American Bar Association
Child Help USA (external link)
Child Welfare League of America (external
link)
Cyber Tipline (external
link)
National Children's Advocacy Center (external
link)
Prevent Child Abuse
America (external link) |