Program for children and youth who need support
Purpose of the Child and Youth Witness Support Program:
To support children and youth who are required to provide testimony in court.
Who the program is intended to help:
Children and youth referred by:
- Police services
- Victim/Witness Assistance Programs
- Crown Attorney offices
- Children’s Aid Societies
- Health and social service providers
- Schools
- Self-referrals
- Other
in order to prepare them for giving testimony in court.
Parents of a young person who is testifying in court can also be provided with information and support to help their child/ren through the court process.
What benefits will the program bring to participants?
- Families are supported throughout the entire judicial process
- Program staff liaise with judicial partners to ensure families have access to the right information and are referred to the appropriate resources
- Children and youth receive guidance on how to be a good witness
- Children's and youths' needs are assessed and special provisions are requested where appropriate
- Program staff provide court support and accompaniment
- Families are taught relaxation techniques to help them manage stress and anxiety
Description of the program:
A support worker is available to meet with parents and children to assess children’s needs for court.
Services include:
- Preparing children for court (includes court procedures, roles of court personnel, courtroom tours etc.)
- Communicating with Crown attorneys, defence lawyers, and other justice personnel
- Accompanying children to court
- Support for parents and guardians
- Help with victim impact statements and other applications (Criminal Injuries Compensation Board)
- Service referrals
- Post-court follow-ups
Cost: There is no fee for these services
Contact information:
If you would like to access child and youth witness support services or would like more information, please contact the Support Worker by telephone at 613-233-8478 or by TTY at 613-233-1866.
This program is subsidized by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General
