Child Witnesses in Canada

Where We've Been, Where We're Going

Child Witness Project (2002)

Funded by the Family Violence Initiative of Health Canada, this paper reviews the legal reforms of the 1980s that opened the courtrooms of Canada to hearing the evidence of children. Topics covered include best practice approaches, a research agenda for child witnesses, a "bill of rights" for children who have to testify, and the results of a follow-up with former clients 12 years after they were referred.

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• Context of Child Witness Reforms of the 1980s

• Effects of Court Involvement and Testifying on Children

• Overview of the Child Witness Project

• Best Practice Approaches

• Research Agenda

• Operational Issues

• 12 Years After the Verdict

• The "Bill of Rights" for Child Witnesses