The Child Witness Support Program
The Child Witness Support Program provides support for children and young people who are required to give evidence in criminal courts, either as victims of, or witnesses to, a crime.
Child Witness Support Volunteers
- Provide information to the child/young person and his/her caregiver(s) about court proceedings.
- Prepare the child/young person for the court process.
- Visit the CCTV/court room with the child/young person prior to the court hearing.
- Support and reassure the child/young person during his/her waiting time in the court building.
- Accompany the child/ young person whilst they give evidence.
- Maintain appropriate contact with the child/ young person and his/her caregiver(s) until the child/young person has given evidence.
- Liaise with a broad range of individuals (community, legal profession, police, government).
PACT Inc. provides a counseling service to assist client children/young people and their non-offending family members to deal with stress and trauma related to the incident(s) of abuse, and/or involvement in the Criminal Justice system.
Therapy focuses on the effects of abuse and does not include discussion of child's/young person's evidence while the child/young person is involved in the court process.
Therapy may be accessed up to 12 months after the completion of court.
Therapy is available in Brisbane and other regional centres throughout Queensland.
PACT Inc. makes representation to Government and other Agencies on behalf of children and young people.
PACT Inc. participates in Child Protection Forums and other awareness raising activities in order to provides feedback on the experience of children and young people in the court process.
PACT Inc. identifies barriers to successfully protection children in the court system and participates in key policy and research development forums relevant to child protection.
How to Access PACT Inc. Services
Referrals are generally received from the Queensland Police Service or the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. However, teachers, community organisations, families may also refer children, with the families consent. Once the referral is received, the PACT Inc. Volunteer Coordinator allocates the case to a specific PACT Inc. Volunteer, based on the geographic location of the child and Court and where possible preference and skills of the volunteer. The volunteer then contacts the family to arrange for a home visit to provide details of the Court process and what is likely to happen when the child is required to give evidence.
Benefits of Becoming a PACT Inc. Member
Members can provide input into decision making in relation to child protection and receive regular information in relation to PACT Inc. operation.
How PACT Inc. Membership contributes to PACT Inc.
The money received through membership fees assists PACT Inc. to address the needs of children, young people and their families, required to give evidence in the Criminal Justice System.
Who Can Become a PACT Inc. Member
Anyone can become a member of PACT Inc. Especially people interested in the welfare and protection of children.
There are four (4) categories of PACT membership fees which are due annually on 31st March:
- PACT Volunteer Membership - $5.00
- Student/Pensioner Membership - $15.00
- Standard Membership - $20.00
- Corporate Membership - $100.00