Children coming before the courts should get a better deal -- including proper legal representation and special arrangements when they have to give evidence.

The call came yesterday from Minister of Health and Social Services Clarence Terceira during the Hamilton Lions Club weekly luncheon at the Pier Six Complex.

Dr. Terceira said: "Children coming before the courts don't always get legal counsel and because Government is the primary advocate for the child we are taking steps to improve this service.

"We have asked the Human Rights Commission to expand their role with children to allow for rights and case advocacy for children.

"The Ministry has recommended that the system and style of court cases be less traumatic for children.

"For example,'' he added, "allow video tapes at preliminary hearings, forbid defendants from directly cross-examining a child, and provide special training for persons in regular contact with child victims and witnesses.

"We have also asked the Legal Aid Committee to provide legal aid as needed for such children.'' Dr. Terceira also pointed out that teaching children certain life skills would help to protect them against various traumatic situations.

In addition, he said, a "24 hour, seven days a week'' child abuse service should be made available and a "community violence outreach intervention team'' should be formed to intervene in potentially dangerous situations where children are at risk.

Dr. Terceira said: "Since we believe that there can be no task nobler than giving every child a better future, we continue to revamp our services to be more proactive and to meet the ever changing and increasingly complex needs of our children.'' Dr. Clarence Terceira