Training needs of the legal profession on the child as witness : a social work investigation

Abstract

This social work research study explores whether members of the legal profession are aware of the unique characteristics of a child witness that one must take cognisance of when interviewing them. This is explored by means of a questionnaire to determine if and what training needs exist with members of the legal sector with regards to the child witness. The following themes were identified from the questionnaire where members of the legal profession require further training on: child development, children's language development, children's normal sexual development, process of disclosure in sexual abuse, interviewing skills, rapport building skills, minimum age for testifying, factors determining credibility of the child witness, children's statements and report of events, truth vs. lie testing and interview protocols.