§ 12-28-8 - Child victims. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 12-28-8

   § 12-28-8  Child victims. – (a) The general assembly finds that it is necessary to provide child victimsand witnesses in family, district or superior court with special considerationand treatment beyond that usually afforded to adults. It is the intent of thissection to provide these children with additional rights and protection duringtheir involvement with the criminal justice system.

   (b) As used in this section, "child" is anyone who is lessthan fifteen (15) years of age.

   (c) Child victims of felony offenses, or offenses which wouldbe considered felony offenses if committed by adults, shall have the followingrights in addition to those set forth elsewhere in this chapter:

   (1) To have explanations, in language understandable to achild of the victim's age, of all investigative and judicial proceedings inwhich the child will be involved;

   (2) To be accompanied at all investigative and judicialproceedings by a relative, guardian, or other person who will contribute to thechild's sense of well being, unless it is determined by the party conductingthe proceeding that the presence of the particular person would substantiallyimpede the investigation or prosecution of the case;

   (3) To have all investigative and judicial proceedings inwhich the child's participation is required arranged so as to minimize the timewhen the child must be present;

   (4) To be permitted to testify at all judicial proceedings inthe manner which will be least traumatic to the child, consistent with therights of the defendant;

   (5) To be provided information about and referrals toappropriate social service programs to assist the child and the child's familyin coping with the emotional impact of the crime and the subsequent proceedingsin which the child is involved.