The State Calls: A Program to Put Kids and Their Parents at Ease with the Court Process

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

10:15 AM – 11:30 AM CDT

Room: Seminar

CE: 1.25

75 minutes
Basic
Law Enforcement, Prosecutor, Probation/Parole, Victim Advocate, Medical, Forensic Interviewer, Therapist, CPS, CAC, All Professions

Primary Presenter(s)

Emily Antram

Dallas County District Attorney's Office

Slides

Co-Presenter(s)

JR

Jessica Rivera

Dallas County District Attorney's Office-Crimes Against Children Division
Marcela Chavez

Dallas Children's Advocacy Center
Alyson L. Ray

National Council of Jewish Women

Testifying can be scary, especially for kids facing the person who abused them. “Kids in Court” is a Saturday court program the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and the National Council of Jewish Women have hosted for over twenty years. It helps introduce kids and their families to the courtroom, their advocacy team, and addresses some of the common fears and questions about the process. This presentation, hosted by a prosecutor, a DA victim advocate, a CAC family advocate, and a community volunteer will include suggestions on starting your own program and lessons learned from over twenty years of experience.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss the value of a strong courtroom preparation program.
Learn how collaboration creates a strong support network for kids and families faced with participation in the Criminal Justice System.
Discuss considerations and challenges for tailoring a program unique for your jurisdiction.