Training courses

Available only in Latvian at:

http://www.bti.gov.lv/in_site/tools/download.php?file=files/text/Pielikums_tiesnesi_40.docx

for Judges, Prosecutors, and attorneys in the field of protection of the rights of the child that develop skills in communicating with a child witness, including factors that influence statements such as peculiarities of the perception, memory, reasoning, specificities of the language and speech; and tendencies to be influenced or fantasize. Similar courses. are also offered by NGO’s in the UK.

The Advocates Gateway a UK website, also provides free access to practical, evidence-based guidance on vulnerable witnesses and defendants.

non-verbal activities and games such as: motor skills activities e.g. pass the ball; building blocks game; drawing pictures and reading a story

Franklin, A. & Sloper, P. (2009) ‘Supporting the participation of disabled children and young people in decision-making’, Children and Society, 3-15

The Consolidated Criminal Practice Direction, 2011: treatment of vulnerable defendants outlines a range of measures that should be adopted, where appropriate, ‘to assist a vulnerable defendant to understand and to participate in …proceedings’ and which are equally relevant to witnesses.

Guidance for Prosecutors concerning people with learning disabilities and mental health issues (England and Wales) ‘Blue Rooms’ model