PACT 25th Anniversary

Media Release: May 2011

Community Agency celebrates 25 years of support to child victims and witnesses

On 1 June 2011 Protect All Children Today Inc. (PACT), a not-for-profit community agency, founded in 1986 by concerned community members including Kay McGrath, will celebrate 25 years as an Incorporated Association. Since its inception, PACT has supported in excess of 12,000 child victims, witnesses and their non-offending family members through the Criminal Justice System.

This support has been provided by carefully recruited and trained Volunteers give freely of their time and expertise. PACT now has over 80 Child Witness Support Volunteers throughout Queensland who support children through the difficult court process. PACT’s referral rates have steadily increased by 10% each year with over 1260 child victims and witnesses supported in 2009-2010 alone.

“It takes courage for children to go to Court and relive a traumatic experience in front of complete strangers” said Mr Tucker, PACT’s Chairperson. “Courts are daunting places for adults, let alone children. PACT Volunteers build rapport with the child, provide them with information about the court process and the role they play, visit the court room or CCTV room to familiarise them with the court surroundings, accompany them to meetings with the Prosecutor, reassure the child during their waiting times in the court building and accompany the child whilst they give evidence. That is how PACT empowers children and young people to give evidence”.

As PACT is an impartial organisation the focus is on supporting the individual child to build their confidence and increase their understanding of the court process. Volunteers work within strict protocols and do not discuss evidence with the child or family. They provide information and emotional support to assist the child victim or witness to better cope with going to court.

PACT’s corporate governance is provided by an elected voluntary expertise-based Board of Management, comprised of nine professionals working within the legal, policing, child protection sectors and other committed community members.

PACT has grown significantly over the past 25 years and has broadened its original mandate to include a court-compatible Therapy Program introduced in 1996.

Child advocacy has also been enhanced through formal consultative mechanisms whereby PACT representatives meet regularly with key stakeholders to provide evidence to facilitate improvements for children involved in the court system. This has included changes to the Evidence (Protection of Children) Amendment Act in 2003 and the establishment of effected child witness suites in a number of court houses throughout the State.

In order to commemorate this significant milestone, PACT is hosting a 25th Anniversary Cocktail Function on 1 June 2011 which will be attended by members of the community who have ensured PACT’s longevity and success throughout the years. Formal addresses will be given by PACT’s Patrons, Her Excellency Penelope Wensley AC, Governor of Queensland and Ms Kay McGrath, founding member, and the current PACT Chairperson, Mr Nicholas Tucker. A range of dignitaries, invited guests, past and present PACT Board of Management Members, Child Witness Support Volunteers and Staff have received invitations.

If you would like to learn more about the valuable work of PACT or are interested in becoming a Child Witness Support Volunteer please visit the website www.pact.org.au or telephone 3290 0111.

MEDIA CONTACT:
For more information or to arrange a telephone interview, please contact Nicholas Tucker, Chairperson, PACT on (07) 3211 4330 or tucker@qldbar.asn.au.

Ms Kay McGrath, PACT Founder and Patron, Her Excellency Penelope Wensley AC,
Governor of Queensland, PACT Vice Regal Patron and Mr Nicholas Tucker,
PACT Chairperson cutting the celebratory cake.

Uncle Des Sandy, doing Welcome to Country ceremony.

PACT Staff enjoying the 25th Celebration.