Practices within The Criminal Justice System can create barriers during child protection investigations relating to disabled children. 

In the past the Safeguarding disabled children: practice guidance evidence of disabled children was rarely given in court because those involved in investigating allegations often assumed that disabled children would not be able to give credible evidence in criminal proceedings. 

However, research clearly indicates that children with learning disabilities can provide forensically relevant information if appropriate methods are employed. 

The pilots and now the introduction of intermediaries under The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 are intended to ensure that everyone, including children with learning disabilities can give their best evidence in a criminal court. (Gov.uk, July 2009)