Interpersonal Violence: The Practice Series

Getting Ready for Court

by Lynn M Copen and Linda M Pucci

Published 1 June 1991

A fun, friendly first step in helping prepare primary-aged children to testify in criminal cases involving abuse, this book has already been used by victim/witness professionals, child advocates, therapist, school counsellors, and even parents in hundreds of cases across the United States.

It is an invaluable aid to the practitioner who must prepare a child giving testimony in court, helping the child be more comfortable about testifying and be a more effective witness.

Finding Your Way

by Dr Linda M Pucci and Lynn M Copen

Published 1 March 1995

This brief-easy-to-understand book explains what happens when a child discloses abuse and how various systems may respond to this disclosure, from investigation through prosecution or juvenile court involvement to therapy.

Intended for children 9-18, this book is written in a supportive tone and helps children to understand what abuse is, the steps that are taken to protect the child, the process of prosecuting the abuser, and the child's own feeling and healing process.

Preparing Children for Court

by Lynn M Copen

Published 18 July 2000

"Going to court can be frightening and confusing for children, particularly for those already harmed by a traumatic event. These excellent pamphlets explain criminal and civil court procedures with child-friendly language and illustrations. They are designed to help children understand the child witness′ role and court processes. The authors are to be commended for taking on this important task."

--Sarah H. Ramsey, Professor of Law and Director, Syracuse University College of Law

Every year thousands of cases of child abuse involving young witnesses are referred to the court system. Properly preparing children for the experience of court can minimize the emotional stress and allow them to become more credible witnesses. The first of its kind, Preparing Children for Court, is intended as an aid for social workers, court educators, victim/witness specialists, law enforcement, therapists, and attorneys. Written in an engaging manner, this text divulges the "tricks of the trade" that will allow the child to enter the legal systems without negative consequences.

This text is packaged with three children′s workbooks to facilitate the child′s learning and understanding of the court process. Viewed as an essential toolkit, no professional in the field should be without this volume and its accompanying workbooks.

Price includes one set of the three workbooks