Child Witness Program

Providing support and court preparation
for child victims and witnesses

The Sudbury Counselling Centre works in partnership with the justice system and the community to provide confidential support services and impartial court preparation for children and youths, 17 years of age and under, involved in the criminal justice system as victims and/or as witnesses.

The goals of the Child Witness Program are:

• To prepare the witness for court and to facilitate truthful testimony
• To help protect the child/youth's sense of self-worth and confidence during this process

Services provided within the program include:

• Assessing the specific needs of the child and advocating on his or her behalf
• Educating the child on courtroom procedures and the role of a witness
• Helping the child cope with his/her fears and apprehensions
• Visiting the courtroom before going to court
• Helping parents to be effective in supporting their child
• Scheduling and attending meetings for the child with the Assistant Crown Attorney
• Providing updates for the family on the progress of the case
• Advocating for "child friendly" court rooms and waiting rooms
• Accompanying children into the courtroom or in the closed circuit TV room and, when needed, onto the witness stand
• Assisting with victim impact statements
• Explaining the verdict and sentencing
• Referring the child and/or the family to community services, if needed

At no time during court preparations
is a child's or youth's evidence discussed.

Every child called upon to testify should:

• Be treated with respect during his or her involvement in the criminal justice system
• Feel safe and protected in a courtroom
• Have court preparation tailored to his or her individual needs
• Have easy access to testimonial aids
• Be questioned by adults who adapt their communication to his or her developmental age and linguistic ability
• Have his or her special needs met and vulnerabilities addressed

You can reach a Child Witness Program Worker at 705-524-9629, from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.