The intermediary and the child witness

The course is aimed at intermediaries who are required to assist children in court in terms of applicable legislation. The purpose of this course is to provide the participants with the knowledge and skills to enable them to act as intermediaries.

Target audience

This course is relevant to any individual who acts as an intermediary in court.

Course content

The course covers the following topics:

  • The legal process: an introduction
  • The criminal trial
  • Legislative framework
  • Functions of the intermediary
  • Children’s experience of the criminal justice system
  • The importance of child development in communicating with children
  • Cognitive development in the courtroom
  • Socio-emotional development
  • The impact of child sexual abuse
  • Disclosing abuse
  • Communicating with children in a forensic environment
  • Cross-examination of the child witness
  • Competency examination of child witnesses
  • Anatomically detailed dolls
  • Sex offenders who target children
  • Preparing children for court

Logistics

This course is presented over a 3 day period, and participants receive a folder and a manual.

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