NCJ Number
89591
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This film presents a simulated contested dependency hearing based on an actual case history involving a 9-year old girl whose parents are alleged to be providing inadequate supervision to ensure the child's welfare.
Abstract
The film's focus is on the roles played in juvenile court by the judge, the State's attorney, the child's attorney, the parent's attorney, the expert medical witness, the caseworker, and the guardian ad litem. The pressures and constraints placed on each participant are examined and discussed. The purpose is to illustrate courtroom protocol, procedures of dependency hearings, and the decorum required of witnesses as preparation for professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and physicians to appear in the courtroom as expert witnesses. A study guide is included.