This course provides an overview of working with pre-school children in the criminal justice system. Namely, pre-school children's cognitive development, improving their recall and communication, interview preparation, and considerations of the court process.

Course Content

The day will have four main sessions: 

1. An overview of communication and cognitive development in the pre-school child.
   • key skills/areas to assess
   • assessment techniques
   • resources
2. Studies of strategies for improving children's recall and communication of forensically relevant information.
3. Preparation for ABE-VRI:
   • feedback to the interviewing officer
   • planning
   • selection of appropriate "tools"
   • preparation of the witness
4. The court process. Particular considerations when working with pre-school children:
   • the court report
   • pre-trial familiarisation
   • memory refreshing
   • GRH
   • reviewing xx questions
   • options for cross examination

Course Aims/Objectives

1. To have an understanding of developmental norms in pre-school children in key areas, including: 
   • attention and listening
   • memory
   • concept development
   • receptive and expressive language skills
   • symbolic understanding/representational skills 
2. Understand the implications of assessment findings and developmental norms for the police interview process and factors to consider when planning for the ABE-VRI. 
3. To be able to select and use appropriate communication aids/tools for pre-school children in order ro achieve best evidence. 
4. Have an awareness of current research and evidence-based approaches relevant to working with pre-school children at police interview
5. To explore approaches that facilitate the pre-school witness' effective participation in the court process. 

Course Method

We are aiming this course at both newly qualified intermediaries and experienced intermediaries who may wish to reflect on their practice and share experiences on working with pre-school children in the criminal justice system. 

Information will be presented using slides/handouts and the presenters will invite high levels of participation and sharing of knowledge and ideas.

The following materials are provided: 

• Timetable
• Powerpoint presentations
• Guidance for further reading - Bibliography
• Examples of resources