Children's hearings training resource manual: volume 2

1 Introduction

Communication is the basis of children's hearings. Good communication in a hearing ensures that all involved will come away feeling listened to and that the decisions made were based on the best information available, including the views of the child.

Hearings are intended to be a process of two-way communication.

This section will examine what is meant by communication; giving explanations; nonverbal communication; talking to children and to adults; questioning and listening techniques; written communication; and dealing with sensitive and difficult situations in hearings. It also explores how diversity may affect communication and ways in which communication can be adapted to suit different needs.