Information for Agencies...
Who is our service for?
VWCCS provides court support to any police witness or complainant (victim) who presents at any of the following locations:
- Downing Centre District and Local Courts
- Parramatta Local and District Courts
- Parramatta Children’s Court
- Bidura Children’s Court
- Katoomba Local Court
How many volunteers do we have and what training do they have?
VWCCS presently has 108 volunteers.
All our volunteers have:
- A NSW Working With Children Check - Volunteer Declaration
- A National Police Certificate
- A signed acknowledgement of VWCCS Policies and Procedures
Induction
Prior to commencing as a Court Support Assistant all volunteers undertake:
- A comprehensive induction training program over 7 days
- Minimum of 15 hours court observation followed by a written report of court observations including self-reflection
- Supervised Court Support Work
Ongoing Training
- Volunteers are offered four days training per annum. Each Volunteer must attend at least 2 of these training days.
- Volunteers can access formal debriefing as required
What services do we offer?
- Explain to victims/witnesses the role of a police witness and the Court process.
- Inform victims/witnesses of their rights under the Charter of Victims Rights.
- Accompany and support victims/witnesses during any conferences relating to the crime.
- Explain legal terminology.
- Liaise with the Prosecutor and Police.
- Explain to victims/witnesses the serious consequences of contamination of evidence.
- Meet victims/witnesses at Court and be with them, if they wish, whilst they are giving evidence.
- Continue to support and assist victims/witnesses if the matter is adjourned and listed for another hearing date.
- Remain with victims/witnesses if they wish to stay in Court after they have given evidence.
- Provide information about and, if they wish, assist victims/witnesses with their Victim Impact Statement.
- Provide information regarding compensation for victims of serious crime.
- Assist with any application for pro bono (free) legal advice.
What we don't do...
- Give legal advice
- Discuss evidence with victims/witnesses before or during the hearing or between breaks or adjournments
- Assist victims/witnesses to give evidence
- Take notes in court
- Speak during the Court hearing unless the Judge or Magistrates ask the Volunteer a question