WHY CONDUCT A COURTROOM TOUR?
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Beyond the basic fact that most people are often fearful of what they do not know, there are other reasons to conduct a courtroom tour for child victims and their parents. Children, and even adults, who have never been in a live courtroom can have preconceived ideas of what the courtroom looks like and how people behave in a courtroom.  These perceptions may be based on television shows or famous, publicized trials.  Both of these may portray heightened levels of drama, including shouting, angry arguing, and/or other frightening events. Children may also have the fear that the defendant may jump up and grab them, or hurt them in some way. It is important for children to know that this is not typical courtroom behavior.  

All of this information can be relayed during the courtroom tour. Other questions and concerns also can be addressed at that time.