Child Witness Centre of Waterloo Region

Description

Child Witness Centre services are provided free of charge and include:


Support through each stage of the court process for child victims or witnesses age 17 or younger. Helping the child cope with the fear and apprehension of testifying through increased awareness of court proceedings and the role of a witness. Providing updates to the child and parents on the progress of their case. Providing information on counselling services available in the community. Helping parents to be effective in their support for the child. Scheduling and attending pre-trial meetings for the child with the Crown Attorney.
Providing a ,child friendly' location where children wait before going to court. Accompanying children into the courtroom, and on occasion onto the witness stand.
Assisting with the preparation of Victim Impact Statements.
Explaining the verdict.


"The goal of the Child Witness Centre," said Executive Director Jack Reynolds, "is to reduce the risk of the court process retraumatizing children who have already been victimized; to help protect their sense of self worth and get them through the process with their confidence intact. This is a vital service for children, and we're pleased to now serve both Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

"As we move forward with this expansion, it is important to have Wellington County representation on our Board of Directors," said Jack Reynolds. "I happy to announce that Kendra Pagnan has joined the Child Witness Centre Board. Kendra is a resident of Guelph, President of Citizen's Concerned With Crime Against Children (Guelph 4Cs), and Vice-President of the Family and Children's Services Guelph-Wellington Board."

This change builds on the victim/witness services provided previously in Wellington County. From 1993 to early 2005, court preparation services for child victims were provided by Guelph 4Cs. Since March 2005 the Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) of the Ministry of the Attorney General has been delivering services to the County's child victims and witnesses. The Child Witness Centre will now be working collaboratively with VWAP, Guelph Police Services, Ontario Provincial Police, the Crown Attorney's office, Family and Children's Services and others who support victims, to ensure that they receive the help needed while involved in the court process.

VWAP will continue to offer services to adults age 18 and over who are victims and/or witnesses of crime. The Child Witness Centre will offer its services to children under age 18. In cases where both the adult caregiver and the child are victims and/or witnesses of crime, the two services will collaborate to avoid confusion or duplication.

"The Child Witness Centre program provides specialized services of direct benefit to victimized children," said Guelph MPP Liz Sandals. "The government's support of this program demonstrates our commitment to improve the welfare of children in our community."

Child Witness Centre services for Wellington County will be provided at 36 Wyndham Street South (at the lower level of the courthouse) in Guelph, and at other locations in Wellington County as required.