Scottish Government

CODE OF PRACTICE TO FACILITATE THE PROVISION OF THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT TO CHILD WITNESSES IN COURT PROCEEDINGS

SUPPORTING CHILD WITNESSES guidance pack

ISBN: 0-7559-4428-3

This document is also available in pdf format (1.3mb)

CONTENTS

FOREWORDS
INTRODUCTION
Definition of a Child Witness
Background
Children's Rights
Context
Document Outline
DECISION MAKING
Referral and Assessment Procedures
Therapeutic Support Providers
THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT
What is Therapeutic Support?
EVIDENTIAL ISSUES
BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR THE PROVISION OF THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT TO CHILD WITNESSES INVOLVED IN COURT PROCEEDINGS
Communication and Questioning Techniques
Recounting of Trauma/Abusive Event
Interpreting
Hypothesis Testing
TYPES OF THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS
Play/Art/Writing Intervention Methods
Hypnosis
Group Therapy
INFORMATION SHARING
RECORD KEEPING
CONFIDENTIALITY
REFERENCES
APPENDIX 1: Steering and Reference Group Members
APPENDIX 2: Overview of the Main Approaches Taken in Providing Therapeutic Support
APPENDIX 3: Overview of Some Intervention Methods Used in Therapeutic Settings
APPENDIX 4: Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Directory Including VIA Contacts
APPENDIX 5: Scottish Children's Reporter Administration Directory
APPENDIX 6: Examples of Guidance on Information Sharing
WIDER PROGRAMME OF WORK ON CHILD WITNESSES