Court Orientation, Mock Trial, and Judicial Dialogue Help Prepare Child Victims and Witnesses for Court Proceedings
Las Piñas City, Philippines | June 2, 2025 — The Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma Foundation, Inc. (JCMPFI), through its Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP), successfully conducted another Court Awareness Session at the Family Court (FC) Branch 2, Las Piñas City, in partnership with Hon. Judge Mildred Jacinto-Marquez and the Makati City Social Welfare Department Office (MCSWDO).
The face-to-face activity provided child participants with a unique opportunity to experience the courtroom in a safe, supportive, and educational environment. By introducing children to the judicial process before they testify, KTCAP seeks to reduce fear, build confidence, and empower child victims and witnesses to participate in legal proceedings with greater understanding and preparedness.
The session was attended by three children, accompanied by three social workers and three parents/guardians, demonstrating the collaborative approach of the justice and social welfare sectors in protecting children’s rights.
Familiarizing Children with the Court Environment
The program began with a guided tour of the Hall of Justice, allowing participants to become familiar with the various offices and court personnel they may encounter during actual hearings.
Before entering the courtroom, Court Social Worker Ms. Viviene Marie S. Bayas conducted a child-friendly orientation explaining courtroom procedures, the roles of judges, prosecutors, Public Attorneys, social workers, court staff, and stenographers. She emphasized that real court proceedings are respectful, organized, and designed to ensure fairness—not the dramatic scenes often portrayed in television and movies.
Participants also learned about child-sensitive court procedures, including the use of the child’s preferred language during testimony and other measures intended to help children communicate comfortably and accurately.
“Preparing children before they enter the courtroom helps reduce fear, strengthen confidence, and enables them to participate more effectively in the justice process.”
Learning Directly from the Judge
One of the highlights of the activity was the dialogue with Hon. Judge Mildred Jacinto-Marquez, who shared valuable insights about her responsibilities as a Family Court Judge and the importance of maintaining impartiality while ensuring that every child is treated with dignity and compassion.
Judge Jacinto-Marquez encouraged the children to always tell the truth and reminded them that it is perfectly acceptable to say when they do not understand a question. She explained that judges, lawyers, and court personnel are committed to ensuring that children are able to communicate their experiences clearly and in a language they understand.
She also discussed how Family Courts work closely with social workers to prepare children emotionally and psychologically before they testify, recognizing that repeated questioning and court appearances can be stressful for young witnesses.
“The truth is always the strongest testimony. Children should never feel pressured to add or change their stories. Honest testimony helps the court arrive at a just decision.”
Experiencing a Courtroom Before the Actual Hearing
To help children become comfortable with courtroom procedures, participants took part in an interactive mock trial facilitated by the Judge, prosecutor, Public Attorney, court social worker, and court personnel.
The simulation demonstrated courtroom proceedings—from the arraignment to witness testimony, allowing participants to observe courtroom roles and procedures firsthand.
By participating in the role-play, the children gained practical knowledge of what happens inside a courtroom while reducing the uncertainty and anxiety often associated with future court appearances.
Open Forum Addresses Parents’ Concerns
Parents and guardians were also allowed to ask questions directly to Judge Jacinto-Marquez regarding court procedures.
Among the topics discussed were:
• execution of arrest warrants;
• communication between law enforcement officers and complainants;
• victim privacy and confidentiality;
• temporary protection and stay-away orders; and
• the importance of attending scheduled court hearings.
The discussion provided families with valuable legal information while strengthening their confidence in navigating the justice system.
Positive Impact on Children and Social Workers
The activity concluded with snacks prepared by the court and the distribution of sketch pads and stress-relief squish balls, encouraging children to express themselves creatively beyond the courtroom setting.
The feedback from both social workers and child participants reflected the positive impact of the Court Awareness Session.
A social worker from MCSWDO shared that the program provided practical guidance in preparing children emotionally and mentally for court hearings and enhanced their understanding of the judicial process.
Meanwhile, the children expressed how the activity changed their perception of the courtroom.
“At first I was worried because I did not know what happens in court. After the court visit, I felt happier and learned many new things. My fear and nervousness were reduced.” 17-year-old participant
“My fear disappeared, and I now understand the court process better.” — 14-year-old participant
“The mock hearing was my favorite activity because it helped remove my nervousness.” — 13-year-old participant
Strengthening Child-Friendly Justice
Through the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP), JCMPFI continues to work alongside Family Courts, social workers, prosecutors, Public Attorneys, and partner agencies to create a justice system that is more responsive to the needs of child victims and witnesses.
By providing courtroom orientation, psycho-legal education, experiential learning, and emotional support, KTCAP empowers children with the knowledge and confidence they need before participating in court proceedings.
Every informed child is one step closer to a justice system that protects, respects, and hears every child’s voice.
About the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP)
The Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) is the flagship child protection initiative of the Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma Foundation, Inc. (JCMPFI). The program prepares child victims and witnesses for court through psycho-legal education, courtroom orientation, mock trials, stress management activities, and direct interaction with justice sector professionals. KTCAP seeks to reduce trauma, promote child-friendly justice, and empower children to participate confidently in legal proceedings.
Call to Action
Every child deserves to be heard without fear.
JCMPFI invites Family Courts, Local Government Units, social welfare agencies, child-caring institutions, schools, and development partners to collaborate in expanding the reach of the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP).
Together, we can make our justice system more compassionate, child-friendly, and accessible—one courtroom, one child, and one community at a time.