Child Witness Service

The Child Witness Service helps children and young people under 18 years of age who may need to give evidence in court. The children involved can be victims or witnesses to any criminal charge, in any court.

The Child Witness Service, part of the Department of the Attorney General, provides practical information and helps children and young people emotionally prepare for court. Support is provided on an individual basis. Evidence is never discussed.

The Child Witness Service does not provide counselling. However, referrals can be made to appropriate agencies when additional support is required.

The Child Witness Service aims to:

• reduce trauma for children giving evidence in court by appropriate preparation and support.
• Undertake assessments of a child's needs in relation to giving evidence and advocate for the child to receive their entitlements under the legislation.
• work with the WA Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure a child witness and their family are kept fully informed about the progress of a case through the courts
• help a child witness prepare a victim impact statement, even if the child is not required to give evidence

It is important that children are referred to the Child Witness Service as soon as possible after charges have been laid against an alleged offender. It is not necessary to know for certain if the child is required to give evidence. Child victims and witnesses can receive support from the time charges are laid until the matter before the court is finalised. It is important to note that if your child has completed a visually recorded interview with the Specialist Child Interview Unit, they may still be required to answer further questions.

The Child Witness Service can also provide consultation with both the WA Police and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Making a referral

Any child under the age of 18 years, who may be required to give evidence, can be referred to the Child Witness Service. Referrals usually come from the WA Police, but can also be from a Government agency or the child's caregiver(s).

Where possible, the following details should be provided to the Child Witness Service at the time of referral:

• Child or young person's name, date of birth, current address and ethnicity
• Charges against the alleged offender (if known)
• Details of the child or young person’s current caregivers
• Other services being provided to the child or young person and their family by another agency (if known).

To make a referral, telephone the coordinator of the Child Witness Service on (08) 9425 2850.  Once a child is referred, the service will arrange an appointment for the caregiver(s) and child to meet a Child Witness Service worker.

The Child Witness Service is a free service provided by the Department of the Attorney General's Victim Support & Child Witness Service.

Contact details

Victim Support and Child Witness Service
Department of the Attorney General
District Court Building
Level 2, 500 Hay Street
PERTH  WA  6000
Phone: (08) 9425 2850
Fax: (08) 9425 2167
Freecall: 1800 818 988

Regional Child Witness Service locations