Developing a Professional Relationship with a Child

Adriana Ysern, National Center for Refugee & Immigrant Children

Power Point Presentation created by Christina Wilkes, Children’s Project Director at Ayuda, Inc. Power Point modified with Permission.

Psychological Dynamics

• Age Appropriate– Child– Attorney

• Education levels– limited

• Language barriers– Effective communication

Understanding the Relationship

• Children generally want to please others– Be as clear as possible– It’s okay to ask them to explain things if you don’t

understand– Review the facts of the case so that you’re clear

• Adult vs. child clients• Setting boundaries• IT TAKES TIME, so plan for multiple

appointments.

Developing Trust• Children who have suffered abused or neglect by

their parents or by authority figures may have difficulty trusting adults.

• Be conscious of male/female dynamics.• Be conscious of cultural differences.• A child may find it easier or harder to trust you

depending on your:– Age, Race, Gender, etc.

Preparing The Case• Be patient as children may have difficulty

remembering:– Names and places– Dates and times

• They may also have difficulty remembering details; their recollections may change from meeting to meeting (which could be a symptom of trauma).

• Don’t make looking for minor inconsistencies your primary goal; you can straighten them out when you are preparing to file.

Preparing A Child To Testify

The Courtroom

• Explain:– Who will be in the courtroom and what their roles are.

– The order of witnesses and the order of questioning.

– How long the the entire hearing will take and how long the direct and cross-examinations will likely last.

• If possible, arrange to take the child to see the Court in advance of his/her hearing.

Testifying• Rehearse child’s testimony several times.• Teach the child:

– Not to answer confusing questions or ones they don’t understand, and to ask for clarification.

– Its okay to say, “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember.”– It is okay to cry during the hearing.– It is okay to ask for a break.

• Attorney should be attentive to:– Signs that child is confused, flustered, stressed, etc.– Problems with interpretation.

Dealing With Difficult Subjects

• Finding additional support

• Understanding your role & limitations

• Ethical concerns

• Referrals to Social Services

• Working with a therapist and other professionals