Each year, more than 20,000 children and young people are bereaved of aparent.
Only a few of these deaths will have been caused by murder ormanslaughter, but children bereaved in this way may be given a formalopportunity to speak about the impact on their lives in new governmentproposals.
A recent consultation from the Department of Constitutional Affairsproposed a scheme of victims' advocates to answer questions about thecourt process, and to help families make a personal statement about howthe death has affected them. This statement could be spoken in court, orwritten and read out by someone else.
The guidance acknowledges that children may need special help inspeaking to the court. The removal of wigs and gowns by the judge andbarristers and the video-recording of statements are suggested as waysof making the experience easier, and unspecified communication aids arementioned.
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