Tell the Truth

Kids' Court does not ask kids to discuss details of their case, nor are kids told what to say. Kids' Court introduces children who are involved in abuse cases to the world of adult jurisprudence. The program makes kids more comfortable to tell the jury what happened to them. 

Kids Learn:

• Why a witness is important and that they can participate successfully in the legal system
• How to reduce their fears and anxieties through 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?"

Kids are helped in a group process to:

• Feel more comfortable as they learn about courtroom procedures, personnel, and legal terminology
• Overcome feelings of isolation, fear, and anxiety
• Feel the court is a place that is safe and respectful of them.

Components of the five-hour Court Awareness program for children ages 4-12 include:

• Discussions led by judges and prosecutors who volunteer to serve as instructors
• Experiential activities including role playing, art projects, music, and games
• Life-size dolls representing courtroom personnel for uses in recreating a trial setting.

Parents and guardians attend a concurrent program designed to address their needs and answer questions about the justice system.

For further information, please contact:

Donna Belin, Director
King County Kids' Court
Office of the Prosecuting Attorney
Special Assault Unit
704 - 228th Avenue Northeast, PMB 323
Sammamish, WA 98074

E-Mail: Donna Belin
(206) 386-5437
(425) 868-4740 (fax)

*To view this information, it is necessary to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. You can download a free copy of the Acrobat Reader or visit Adobe's site to get more information.

May 2006