Getting it taped : children in court

Wilson, Karen

Getting it taped : children in court Wilson, Karen - Wellington Child, Youth and Family 1995 - 54 p. ; computer file : PDF format (3.1Mb) - Social Work Now .

Social Work Now (1) July 1995 : 12-16

This article discusses the implementation of video legislation for child witnesses in New Zealand and compares the author's experiences with its use in England and Wales. The author examines the practice of using closed circuit television within the courtroom where children are appearing as child sexual abuse witnesses and discusses how 'specialist' or 'evidential' interviewers need to maintain a set of guidelines for interview practices. The article highlights the importance of the "Memorandum of Good Practice: On Video Recorded Interviews With Child Witnesses for Criminal Proceedings" (1992), which was developed as a protocol document for practitioners by the UK Home Office. The "Memorandum" suggests minimum standards for all aspects of interviewing, including training criteria, interview conduct, techniques in questioning, and legal requirements. The author examines the debate the "Memorandum" has created in video versus court reforms and offers suggestions for improvements in New Zealand's video legislation.

1173-4906


CARE AND PROTECTION
CHILD NEGLECT
CHILDREN
COURTS
EVIDENCE
JUSTICE
LEGISLATION
OFFENDERS
SOCIAL SERVICES
SURVIVORS
VICTIMS
VIDEO EVIDENCE
CHILD ABUSE
SEXUAL VIOLENCE


NEW ZEALAND