The Child Witness Service helps children and young people under 18 years of age who may need to give evidence in court. The children involved can be victims or witnesses to any criminal charge, in any court.
The Child Witness Service provides practical information and helps children and young people emotionally prepare for court. Support is provided on an individual basis. Evidence is never discussed.
The Child Witness Service does not provide counselling. However, referrals can be made to appropriate agencies when additional support is required.
The Child Witness Service aims to:
reduce trauma for children giving evidence in court by appropriate preparation and support.
Undertake assessments of a child’s needs in relation to giving evidence and advocate for the child to receive their entitlements under the legislation.
work with the WA Police Force and the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure a child witness and their family are kept fully informed about the progress of a case through the courts
help a child witness prepare a victim impact statement, even if the child is not required to give evidence

Legal Aid WA offers free or low-cost legal services to the community. If their clients have trouble getting help because of a disability, language barriers, or location, Legal Aid WA has available support to assist them.

 

Legal Aid WA provides a wide range of services including: civil law, criminal law, family law and community legal education

Family law and children’s matters services:

• Legal representation by lawyers for children and young people in the Family Court and in the Children’s Court
• Legal representation by lawyers in the Family Court, in child protection proceedings in the Children’s Court, and in defended hearings for family violence restraining orders in the Magistrates’ Court
• Dispute resolution services within family law and child protection proceedings
• Assistance to both carers of children and those who have to pay child support, needing legal advice or representation with criminal charges, who have been arrested as a suspect by police or wanting help with an appeal against conviction or sentence

 

Info Chat available and Virtual Office. Contact them at virtual.office@legalaid.wa.gov.au