Regional Victim Support and Child Witness Services

DotAG has a total of twelve victim support and child witness service contracts spread across the state in ten regional centres located in: Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Albany, Derby, Broome, Kununurra, Carnarvon, Karratha and Geraldton.

Child Witness Services (CWS)
The direct provision of non-evidentiary preparation of child complainants and child witnesses to give evidence in court. This includes providing support for the child and their family, undertaking special witness assessments and preparation of assessment reports, the identification of an appropriate support person for the child and liaison with Court Appointed Officer regarding the special needs of the child witness. Such support is provided in consultation with the parent, guardian or carer as the case may be.
Victim Support Service (VSS)
The provision of support services to victims of crime including: information on criminal justice processes, trauma counselling, court preparation and companionship, advocacy, referral, criminal injuries compensation information and assistance with Victim Impact Statements.
The Victim Support Service also includes provision of information and support regarding family violence processes including risk assessment, safety planning, court preparation, court support and referral.
Stakeholder Management
It is expected that the Contractor will proactively identify and act on opportunities to develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders such as Police, Courts, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, local family and domestic violence services, and relevant community services with other agencies.
A high level of liaison with stakeholders and relevant agencies is required to maintain a visible community profile and also to promote the service and enhance referrals so as to ensure effective support is made available to victims of crime and child witness services. Assistance is also to be provided in the recruitment, selection and training of volunteers and the management and supervision of their work.