(a) A child testifying at or attending a judicial proceeding has the right to be accompanied by an adult attendant to provide emotional support to the child. The court may allow the adult attendant to remain in close physical proximity to or in contact with the child while the child testifies. The court may allow the adult attendant to hold the child’s hand. An adult attendant may not provide the child with an answer to any question directed to the child during the child’s testimony or otherwise prompt the child. The image of the child attendant, for the time the child is testifying or being deposed, must be recorded on videotape.
(b) Upon court approval, the child may be accompanied by an emotional support animal during the proceedings. The inclusion of a support animal as part of the child’s support system must adhere to the Court’s established guidelines to maintain decorum.
(c) The Court shall take into consideration the specific needs and preferences of the child to ensure the child’s comfort. The Court shall also ascertain the effectiveness of the support provided by the adult attendant or support animal.
(d) To document the child’s statements and disposition, the child’s testimony or deposition must be videotaped.