(1) In addition to all rights afforded to a victim or witness under section 24-4.1-302.5, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and judges are encouraged to designate one or more persons to provide the following services on behalf of a child who is involved in criminal proceedings as a victim or a witness:
To explain, in language understood by the child, all legal proceedings in which thechild will be involved;
To act, as a friend of the court, to advise the judge, whenever appropriate, of thechild's ability to understand and cooperate in any court proceeding;
To assist the child and the child's family in coping with the emotional impact of thecrime and any subsequent criminal proceeding in which the child is involved;
To advise the district attorney concerning the ability of a child witness to cooperatewith the prosecution and concerning the potential effects of the proceeding on the child.
Source: L. 84: Entire part added, p. 656, § 3, effective May 14. L. 85: IP(1) amended, p. 1361, § 18, effective June 28. L. 92: IP(1) amended, p. 427, § 5, effective January 14, 1993.