 King County Kids’ CourtChildhood Victimization: Kids’ Court Assists the Most VulnerableKids’ Court is an innovative court awareness program developed to: Help child victims of sexual abuse and other forms of victimization and trauma and their families participate effectively in the criminal justice process, AND Help these children and families better cope with the experience of going to court.
The Kids’ Court SessionKids’ Court is a five-hour experiential and activity-based program held at least four times a year on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in a courtroom at the King County Courthouse in Seattle or the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, Washington. Through a standardized curriculum, participants engage in discussions with a judge and prosecutor. Utilizing role-plays, question and answer sessions and fun games, the program increases children’s knowledge of courtroom personnel and procedures. The afternoon session focuses on enhancing self-confidence and introduces stress reduction techniques. At Kids’ Court, kids learn that the most important rule of the court is telling the truth. Kids’ Court is designed for children ages 4-12. As the day progresses children in the group learn: Why a witness is important and how to be confident in that role How kids can participate successfully in a the legal system through enhancing knowledge of courtroom procedures How to reduce feelings of fear and anxiety though 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?” To support and reinforce these sessions when Kids’ Court is over, each participant receives a book entitled, “You Are Very Brave” and a relaxation tape.
Parent SessionWhile children attend the Kids’ Court Program, parents and caretakers attend a concurrent program designed to address their needs and answer their questions about the justice system. Parents learn: How to support their child during their involvement with the justice system Stress management techniques to help reduce anxiety and other negative emotions To share common concerns about being involved with their child in the legal process Greater insight into the criminal justice system Our community cares and will respond with sensitivity to the needs of victims and families
To support and reinforce the parent program, each participant receives a Parent Informational Packet and a relaxation tape. King County Kids’ Court Mission StatementChildren who have experienced sexual victimization or have suffered from other forms of crime or traumatic events may suddenly and involuntarily become involved in the criminal justice system. Many things about this system are complicated and can evoke feelings of anxiety. The Kids’ Court philosophy is that no child should encounter having to testify in court without assistance in making that experience less intimidating. Kids’ Court educates and supports children and their parents and caretakers as they participate in the criminal justice process. Kids’ Court Awards and RecognitionsKids’ Court is nationally recognized as a “best practices” program and has received many awards and recognitions including: Lee Ann Miller Award – presented by the Children’s Justice Interdisciplinary Task Force in cooperation with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Children’s Administration. Each year the award goes to a program that has made the greatest impact and / or contribution to furthering the Mission of the Children’s Justice Act. Jefferson Award-honored service above self, presented to Kids’ Court Executive Director, Donna Belin, by J.D. Alexander, Editor and Publisher of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Oprah Winfry (Harpo, Inc.) “I applaud your efforts on behalf of our children and wish you continued success.” The U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime recognizes Kids’ Court as a “best practices” model program that is exemplary in innovation, development of partnerships, outreach methods and multidisciplinary approaches that address the needs of children.
Kids’ Court has served thousands of child victim/witnesses of sexual abuse and other crimes and their families since the program began in 1989. One parent of a very young child-abuse victim conveyed the opinion of most Kids’ Court participants when she said, “Kids’ Court was the most positive experience we’ve had (in dealing with the legal system). Sharing What King County Has LearnedKids’ and Teen Court staff remain eager to share the successes of the program with all who are interested. Other jurisdictions are encouraged to begin similar programs. The manual and some of the training materials are now available to prosecutors, victim advocates and judges in ".pdf" format. See the links below: For further information about Kids’ or Teen Court, please contact: Donna Belin, MEd, Executive Director
King County Kids’ and Teen Court
Office of the Prosecuting Attorney
Special Assault Unit
704 228th Avenue Northeast, PMB 323
Sammamish, WA 98074-7222
206-386-5437 (206-386-KIDS)
Fax: 425-868-4740
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