Child and Youth Victim Support Service (CVSS)
Provides support to children and youth who are victims or witnesses of a crime. Referrals from any source. Check out the brochure on the program.
CVSS Program Focus:
- To provide support to children and youth (under 19) who are victims or witnesses of a crime, along with their non-offending family members
- Referrals must meet one of the following criteria:
- Reside in Burnaby or New Westminster
- Crime took place in Burnaby or New Westminster
- Court proceedings are taking place in New Westminster or Vancouver (for Burnaby cases)
- Click here to make a referral
- Program is voluntary and involvement can begin at any stage of the legal process
- Service is provided by well-trained, caring, and non-judgemental staff
What We Do:
- Offer emotional support during the police investigation and court proceedings
- Provide resources and referrals to various community agencies when supporting clients through the criminal justice system process
- Assist with safety planning
- Help explain the criminal justice process and the roles within (e.g. Police, Crown Counsel, Judge, etc.)
- Provide up-to-date information about the status of an investigation or the latest court update
- Assist with justice-related forms and applications (such as the Crime Victim Assistance Program applications, Victim Impact Statements, etc.)
- Help young victims/witnesses prepare for testifying in court
- Accompany victims/witnesses to court and justice-related meetings
We Can Help By…
- Support can be provided over the phone and/or in person, depending on your needs
- For children and youth who are subpoenaed to testify in court, several court preparation sessions can be arranged with the victim support worker prior to attending court
We acknowledge that our programs are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including territories of the Tsleil-waututh, Squamish, Stolo, Qayqayt, and Musqueam Nations.