Sarasota-FAWL provides a safe haven for children.

• Jurisdiction: United States
• Date: 01 December 2002

Going to court can be a frightening experience even for adults who understand the integral role courts play in America's justice system.

Can you imagine how a child feels?

The fear intensifies in a place that can be cold, large, and very intimidating, particularly for young people involved in family law cases related to custody or child abuse in dependency actions. Such cases may warrant a child testifying against a parent or guardian.

Members of the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers recognized the uneasy feeling children experience in the traditionally adversarial environment. With generous donations from the Junior League of Sarasota County, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc., and Walt Smith, the 12th Circuit court administrator, and other contributors, Sarasota-FAWL...