I have an 8 yr old daughter whom is going in for questioning tomorrow morning and need advice she was approached during her summer holidays by my sisters husband at which time he exposed himself to her, she is extremely nervous and now goes tomorrow to be questioned by a CAS worker and police and an investigator as to what has happened during this situation she is terrified and does not want under any circumstances to go in without me or my husband can she legally be made to do this? Should she not be able to have one of us in the room to represent her legally? We live in Canada .
2006-12-05 15:05:53 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
she should have a childs rights advocate appointed!
2006-12-05 15:08:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anarchy99 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I work in a school, and we have had CPS workers come to question kids. They go in without any other adults, and they are allowed to do so. Usually, they ask to speak to the child alone because the child will reveal more and not look to the parents for an answer or acceptance. Your presence can sway the outcome. However, the people doing the questioning are professionals. They deal with kids who feel the same way as your daughter does. You need to assure her these people are here to help her, and you give her your "permission" to talk to them about whatever she needs to talk about. I am sure a lot of her anxiety comes from your own worries, so give her some confidence.
2006-12-05 15:17:53 · answer #2 · answered by tsopolly 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Reassure her that she is not in any trouble and that you will be very close by. It is important that she understand that if this person is not prosecuted he may go further with another child and that she is doing the right thing. In Ca, parents don't have the right in most cases. However, the important thing here is that it may be embarassing for her and they will be able to learn more about the suspect and the act if she is not embarassed to speak like she may be in front of you. Be supportive and give the cops a chance. She is not a suspect...they'll be nice. Good Luck.
2006-12-05 15:13:04 · answer #3 · answered by Bigdaddy 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well you have a right to ask for a attorney for you daughter. but be carefull listening to peoples answers on this. every state is different (way different) and you can call suspision to yourself and make things worse if you start demanding rights you dont acctualy have. but you can find out quick by calling an attorney and getting some advise there. even the assistant can usualy give some good input. at any rate dont put any ideas into your daughters head just tell her to tell the truth or she will suffer alot of guilt later.
2006-12-05 15:10:56 · answer #4 · answered by Metlas 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Even though she will be nervous without you these workers are trained to ease the anxiousness of children and its just like swimming classes the kids are looking for approval or in this case making sure they say the right thing in front of the parents. If they are ashamed of what has happened they will feel as though you are ashamed of them for it happening.
2006-12-05 15:12:32 · answer #5 · answered by Sue B 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To get the best testimony, they will not want her to look back at you after answering a question because this will make it look like you are coercing her or giving her approval for telling a 'lie.' I understand how frightened she may be, but you should tell her that you will be close-by and that the police officers are there to help her. They will be very nice.
2006-12-05 15:08:28 · answer #6 · answered by J G 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Any minor, unless they say no, has to have a legal guardian accompanied with them. As far as I know. I have never heard of any parent being refused the right to be with their child during questioning.
2006-12-05 15:09:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
She is asked to be questioned without your company to minimize her testimony being unduly influenced. If you were not present during the the time your sister's husband is being accused of exposing himself to your daughter, then your stating that he exposed himself and not that he is accused of exposing himself is already prejudicial.
2006-12-05 15:13:41 · answer #8 · answered by marklemoore 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm really sorry to hear about this and hope that it works out. I would think that they would have enough respect to treat her properly.
2006-12-05 15:09:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
She has the right of freedom of speech!
2006-12-05 15:11:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋