Author finds rewards in helping kids face courtroom stresses

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For more than 25 years, Anne M. Marreel has pursued careers as a social worker and an advocate for children’s rights.

In her position with a local prosecution-based victim services program, she has worked with dozens of children who have had to testify in court for one reason or another.

Some have been victims of a crime; others are enmeshed in a child-custody battle. All need help, and Marreel, a south Tempe resident, helps them to understand ahead of time what they will be expected to do and say once they arrive at the courthouse.

When Marreel was helping her sister Rosanne Carlson to move her classroom in an elementary school in Mesa, she said she looked over the stacks of books available for kids, and was struck by an inspiration: she would write a book that would help introduce children to the court system.

She got busy writing, and about a month ago, Marreel’s book, “Kids in Court,” was published.

The book is currently available through amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and Marreel’s publisher, xlibris.com.

She also hopes to schedule book signings throughout the Valley.

“My goal is to make (court appearances) less scary to kids,” Marreel said, explaining that the 24-page book guides children through the court system, from arriving at the courthouse and walking through a metal detector to entering the courtroom and learning about all of the people who work inside.

“There are characters like Jim the Judge, Bob the Bailiff and Carrie the Court Reporter,” Marreel said.

“I explain what each one does, and get into things like some judges letting them bring a teddy bear with them, but others might not.”

For example, Marreel explained in the book that, for Carrie the Court Reporter to do her job properly, everyone must answer questions with words as opposed to a head nod.

“The most important message of the whole book for kids is that when they are testifying, they have to tell the truth,” she said.

Marreel said the book is ideal for children ages 5 and up. Kids who can read can look through the pages on their own, but going over the book with a parent or teacher will also help the adults understand the process as well.

So far, Marreel says, the reviews from kids and teens have been positive, even if they have never been involved in a court case.

“Even if the child does not have to testify in a case, he or she might want to be a judge or lawyer someday, or serve on jury duty,” she said.

Parents and teachers have also found the book to be helpful.

“I heard back from a parent whose child is involved in a court case, and the mother thought it was fabulous,” she said.

“That just makes it all worth it.”

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