Child Victim Witness Support Program

The Child Victim-Witness Support Program (CVWSP) prepares children who are called to testify in court. Individual and group support is offered to assist and advocate for children, youth and adult support persons. Referrals are accepted from police, Victim/Witness Assistance Programs, Crown Attorneys, child protection workers, treatment providers and parents.

The program objectives are to:

• provide direct assistance to a child witness through the court process; and
• extend community and professionals’ understanding of the role of the criminal justice system in responding to child witnesses.

The CVWSP has been helping children and families since 1987. The program will answer any questions a caregiver or child may have about the legal system and will help with any problems related to going to court.

In addition to the services offered in the Toronto area; Boost has recently launched a new Child Victim Witness Support Program in the Central Region of Ontario and opened offices in Peterborough and Barrie to offer court preparation and court support to children and youth.