What is it.
Testimonial aids can help reduce the trauma children and youth may experience through participating in the criminal legal process and enable them to provide a fulsome testimony. Remote testimony is when a child or youth provides video testimony at a site other than the courthouse. Child and Youth Advocacy Centres have started implementing remote testimony as part of their trauma-informed supports for children and youth involved in child abuse investigations; however, there is limited evidence on the perceptions and use of remote testimony among CYAC partners. This study explored the uptake of remote testimony at a Canadian CYAC, including the perceptions of CYAC partners on the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of remote testimony, and characteristics of the types of cases that remote testimony was requested for.
How can it help me.
While remote testimony has been implemented at some Canadian CYACs, challenges remain in fostering its acceptance within the legal system. This article can help CYACs who are looking to establish or promote remote testimony by providing evidence of its use to develop a business case or for grant applications, and outlining areas to consider in procedures and training to promote successful use.
