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 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.
• 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.
It is not necessary to know for certain if the child is required to give evidence. Child victims and witnesses can receive support from the time charges are laid until the matter before the court is finalised.
