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CASA presents court-preparation video; judge’s narration emphasizes child-centered courtroom practices
Summary
CASA volunteers showed a short video designed to familiarize children with the courthouse and reduce anxiety. Judge Cohen’s narration in the video described how the court works with children and accommodations available during proceedings.
Representatives from CASA and volunteers Harper and Luke presented a short video at the Pike County commissioners meeting designed to help children understand what happens in juvenile and family court and to reduce anxiety before court appearances.
A CASA representative described the project as beginning in September 2024, restarting in January and filmed in a single afternoon with the two young volunteers. The presenter said the goal was to create a simple, shareable video so children can see familiar faces and know what to expect. "We restarted again, this January, and we were able to get Harper and Luke, as our volunteers, our youngest cousin volunteers to, work with us to produce a video that everyone can share, to hopefully show the children before court, reduce some anxiety, let them see some familiar faces," the CASA representative said in the meeting.
The meeting included recorded narration from Judge Cohen in the video explaining courtroom procedures and child‑focused practices. In the video, Judge Cohen said, "The judge listens to everyone so that she can make the best decisions to keep us safe and happy." The judge described meeting privately with children when appropriate, bringing them down off the bench to speak in a conversational manner, using smaller rooms with low lighting or other accommodations for children with special needs, and stressing that children should tell the truth so the court can help them.
Commissioners praised the CASA volunteers and the video. The chair presented community champion medals to the two volunteers. The CASA representative said the video is available on zip drives and can be emailed; commissioners suggested showing the video to children in advance of court dates and to partner agencies.
Ending
The presentation concluded with brief remarks of thanks from commissioners and an offer to distribute the video to courts, schools and partner organizations to help children feel more comfortable during court proceedings.
