Child Victim Witness Support Program
Program d’aide aux enfants victimes et témoins
The Child Victim Witness Support Program (CVWSP) believes that every child and youth has the right to be thoroughly prepared for their role as a witness in court. By teaching children and youth their job as witnesses and educating them about the criminal justice system, we can lessen their anxiety about attending court.
Le programme de soutien aux enfants victimes et témoins (Child Victim Witness Support Program – CVWSP) de Boost s’adresse à tout enfant ou adolescents qui pourrait être amené à témoigner dans une procédure pénale.
About the Program
The court process can be a confusing and frightening experience for a child or youth. Every child or youth has the right to be thoroughly prepared for his/her role as a witness in court.
The Child Victim Witness Support Program (CVWSP) offers a range of services to assist children, youth and their caregivers in preparation for a court appearance. Any child or youth subpoenaed to court is eligible for service from the program.
|
Individual court preparation for children and youth (3-17 years), and their caregivers; |
|
Court Accompaniment for child and youth witnesses; and |
|
Post court follow-up for children, youth and their caregivers. |
All referrals are made by the
Victim Witness Assistance Program
Court Preparation
During individual sessions, Child Witness Advocates will:
|
Discuss fears, concerns and questions about going to court; |
|
Discuss strategies to mitigate these fears and concerns; |
|
Provide information and answer questions about the criminal justice system; and |
|
Explain the court process and everybody’s role in it. |
|
Facilitate and attend meetings between the witness and the Crown Attorney. |
Court Accompaniment
|
Child Witness Advocates can attend court with children or youth, if requested. |
|
Child Witness Advocates can act as Designated Support Person for child or youth witnesses. |
Post-Court Support
|
Debrief meetings following court; |
|
Understanding the judge’s decision and what happens after court; |
|
Assistance completing Victim Impact Statements; and |
|
Referrals to other services/agencies, if required. |
 |
AT NO TIME IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION OF EVIDENCE |