American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health: The child as a witness.

1. Children are often involved with the courts in cases of abuse and custody dispute and may be required to be witnesses. 2. Pediatricians have important roles in assisting children by providing psychosocial support for the precipitant life event and the event of subsequent appearance in court. 3. A pediatrician also may be able to contribute to a child's adaptation by advocating for accommodations in the legal process that are in the child's best interest.