Latest news with #ChildVictimWitnessProgram
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Province puts $600K into protecting Windsor-Essex child victims, witnesses of crime
The Ontario government is putting $600,000 over three years into an attempt to protect child victims and witnesses of crime in Windsor-Essex. Essex Conservative MPP Anthony Leardi says the money is meant to support kids who've been through the "worst," so they don't have to face the justice system alone. "This investment means real, compassionate support for young victims when they need it most," he said. Fellow Conservative MPP Andrew Dowie says investments like this better equip our area's most vulnerable "when it matters most," said the representative for Windsor—Tecumseh. "No child should ever have to face the trauma of a courtroom alone," he said. New Beginnings, the agency receiving the money, has operated in the region since the early 1970s — providing services related to youth justice, mental health, employment and education. It is one of 15 communities to deliver Ontario's Child Victim Witness Program for people under the age of 18 by reducing potential trauma associated with testifying in court. The services include: Providing information about the court process. Preparing children and youth to testify in court. Accompanying children and youth to court. Assessing any special needs during the court process (i.e., testimonial). Referrals to other services. Support and guidance for caregivers. "We're proud to be part of a province-wide effort to reduce the emotional toll of testifying and ensure that every young voice is heard, supported, and protected," said Stacey Yannacopoulos, executive director of New Beginnings.
CTV News
17 hours ago
- CTV News
Ontario expanding Child Victim Witness Program to Windsor-Essex
New Beginnings will deliver the Child Victim Witness Program in Windsor, Ont., on Friday, June 27, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) Child victims and witnesses of crime are getting more support from the Ontario government. The province is investing $600,000 over three years. The funding is part of the government's $4.2-million investment to expand the Child Victim Witness Program to more communities across the province. New Beginnings will deliver the Child Victim Witness Program to help empower young victims and witnesses, under the age of 18 years, by reducing the potential trauma associated with testifying in court. 'This investment ensures that children and youth who have experienced trauma will receive the dedicated, compassionate support they need to navigate the court system with dignity, strength, and confidence. We're proud to be part of a province-wide effort to reduce the emotional toll of testifying and ensure that every young voice is heard, supported, and protected,' said Stacey Yannacopoulos, executive director of New Beginnings. The program's services include: Providing information about the court process Preparing children and youth to testify in court Accompanying children and youth to court Assessing any special needs during the court process (i.e., testimonial) Referrals to other services Support and guidance for caregivers New Beginnings New Beginnings in Windsor, Ont., on Friday, June 27, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) The Child Victim Witness Program is available in 15 communities across the province. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program provides services and supports to victims and witnesses of crime. It also supports children and youth and their guardians in regions where the Child Victim Witness Program is not available.
