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MEETING WITH THE PROSECUTOR AND VICTIM-WITNESS STAFF
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One
of the most valuable things that parents can do to make the court date
go more smoothly is to meet with the prosecutor and
Victim-Witness staff members before court. This is important for many
reasons:
1)
The child will be more comfortable if he or she has met and
established a rapport with the prosecutor and/or victim-witness staff
member before going to court. For
the child, there will be one less stranger in a room full of strangers
while testifying. For the prosecutor, he or she will have a better
understanding of the child's personality, and the words or terms he or
she uses when speaking.
2)
The child will have a better understanding of what is expected of
them in court, and the kinds of questions he or she will be expected to
answer. This knowledge can often help the child gain some feeling
of control over their courtroom experience and will frequently help the
prosecutor's case because she or he, too, has gained a better
understanding of what to expect from the child in court.
3)
The meeting will give parents/caregivers and the prosecutor the
opportunity to exchange questions and information. The better
informed parents/caregivers are, the more relaxed they and their
children may be. Prosecutors or Victim-Witness personnel can
explain the child's
rights as a victim-witness.
Options such as a closed preliminary hearing, separate waiting areas,
and closed circuit television can be discussed. Parents can also advise
the prosecutor of any special needs or fears the child may have, as well
as of any important planned events that might interfere with the
criminal justice process.
4)
Meeting with the victim-witness staff also gives the parents an
opportunity to inquire into additional services for which the child may
be eligible. The staff maintains a list of community and
national resources which may help caregivers with out-of-pocket medical
expense due to the crime and/or find therapists or support groups.
For more information, see
THE RIGHT TO
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE and
COMMUNITY
RESOURCES.
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