Is Your Child Testifying In Court? 

Testifying in court can be a scary experience. This is especially true for children. Children are more likely to be confused by the court process, often having knowledge only from television versions of a criminal trial.

To help remove some of the anxiety surrounding the court process, the District Attorney's Office offers a program called COURT SCHOOL. Court school sessions are open to children between the ages of 2 and 16 who are required to testify in court as either a victim or witness. These sessions are one hour long and are held once a month at 1801 Vine Street, Family Court Building, and once a month at 1301 Filbert Street, the Criminal Justice Center. The sessions are run by a victim/witness coordinator who specializes in child abuse cases.

Children who attend the program will:

• View an empty courtroom;
• Learn who the court staff are and what they do;
• Sit on the witness stand;
• Practice being sworn in;
• Practice using the microphone;
• Practice answering general questions (not pertaining to the child's case) from the witness stand;
• Learn terms such as objection, overruled and sustained; and
• Go over the difference between the truth and a lie.

There are many benefits to attending court school. Some of these benefits include:

• The child is better prepared for the trial;
• The child is less fearful of the court process;
• The child will be able to remember things better because he/she is more relaxed;
• The testimony of the child will be clearer, shortening the amount of time the child has to testify;
• The child sees that he/she is not the only child going through the process; and
• The parent(s) of the child are given information to help calm the child prior to the actual trial date.

If you are interested in registering your child for court school or would like more information about this resource please call (215) 686-8084 or email DA.Victimservices@phila.gov.

The District Attorneys Office has produced an activity book for kids who are going to court that is available for you below.

Children's Activity Book