Kids and Teens in Court (KTIC): A Model for Preparing Child Witnesses for Court. Issue 1 (11th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peterson, Leslie; Rolls Reutz, Jennifer A.; Hazen, Andrea L.; Habib, Adrienne; Williams, Rhonda
• Is Part Of: American journal of community psychology. Volume 65:Issue 1/2(2020)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2019-09-11
• Subjects: Trauma‐informed care -- Sexual abuse -- Child abuse -- Child witnesses -- Courtroom testimony -- Anxiety; Community psychology -- Periodicals; Community mental health services -- Periodicals; Community psychiatry -- Periodicals; Community Mental Health Services -- Periodicals; Community Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 155.905
• DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12390
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-0562

Abstract

Abstract: Each year, numerous children testify in the United States in either criminal, civil, or juvenile court cases. Typically, children who testify are alleged victims of sexual or physical abuse or neglect, witnesses to violent crime, or subjects in custodial hearings in civil court. As more maltreatment cases are prosecuted and child custody is contested, an increasing number of children are being called as witnesses in court. Many of these children have already been traumatized by the experiences that led to their need to testify, and participation in the court process can have additional negative effects. This article describes the development and recent formative evaluation of a court preparation program that provides psychoeducation and utilizes components of evidence‐based trauma treatment approaches, such as relaxation and in vivo exposure, to support child witnesses and reduce the risk of retraumatization. Children and adolescents participating in the program attend group sessions conducted by mental health clinicians and complete a court‐related anxiety measure before and after each session. Results from 175 participants are reported. Findings indicated significant decreases in court‐related anxiety with large program effects. Challenges encountered by the program and future directions are discussed. Abstract : The title for this Special Section is APPLIED AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH ON TRAUMA‐RESPONSIVE PROGRAMS AND POLICY edited by Todd Herrenkohl, Joshua Mersky, James Topitzes, Nicole Allen Highlights Children's testimony is often necessary for the successful prosecution and resolution of criminal, civil, or juvenile court cases. We describe the development and evaluation of a trauma‐informed, comprehensive model for court preparation and education. The program incorporates trauma‐focused treatment aspects into the court preparation process and provides court‐related psychoeducation to children and their caregivers. Results indicated significant decreases in children's court‐related anxiety with large program effects.