Protecting Child Witnesses on the Witness Stand: The Law and the Role of the Forensic Social Worker in Criminal Proceedings

Abstract

Forensic social workers are frequently called upon to testify regarding the use of protective measures for children who must testify about child abuse. The basic legal requirements for the use of witness protections were established 20 years ago, but recent years have seen important developments in this body of law. This article reviews the legal requirements for the use of child witness protections, including those recent developments, and provides guidance to forensic social workers in engaging in this work.