The investigating officer and the Crown attorney are kept apprised of each child's needs, emotional well-being and feelings about court. More in-depth consultation with the Crown prosecutor, in respect to testimonial competency and the need for testimonial aids, is provided on a case by case basis. The Project's mandate includes the provision of expert testimony about children's testimonial competency, the need for testimonial aids, children's disclosure patterns in sexual abuse cases, memory and suggestibility, and the impact of victimization. Court accompaniment and debriefing sessions are a key part of the service. Case coordination among the mandated agencies is an integral part of the Project.
Issues discussed include legislative changes, judicial precedents and challenging clinical issues.
Advocacy and complete service for all child witnesses within the system is the goal. For more information about the Child Witness Project, please contact Ann Farnsworth . Links pages concerning child abuse and victims of violence .