26A.140 Accommodation of special needs of children.

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26A.140 Accommodation of special needs of children. (1) Courts shall implement measures to accommodate the special needs of children which are not unduly burdensome to the rights of the defendant, including, but not limited to: (a) Trained guardians ad litem or special advocates, if available, shall be appointed for all child victims and shall serve in Circuit and District Courts to offer consistency and support to the child and to represent the child's interests where needed. (b) During trials involving child victims or child witnesses, the environment of the courtroom shall be modified to accommodate children through the use of small chairs, frequent breaks, and the use of age appropriate language. (c) Children expected to testify shall be prepared for the courtroom experience by the Commonwealth's or county attorney handling the case with the assistance of the guardian ad litem or special advocate. (d) In appropriate cases, procedures shall be used to shield children from visual contact with alleged perpetrator. (2) The Supreme Court is encouraged to issue rules for the conduct of criminal and civil trials involving child abuse in which a child victim or child witness may testify at the trial. Effective: July 14, 1992 History: Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 351, sec. 9 , effective July 14, 1992.