Protect All Children Today (PACT) is looking for Child Witness Support volunteers in the South Burnett to help child victims and witnesses through the court process.
PACT has been supporting children and young people for over 30 years to help them cope with giving evidence in court.
Today, PACT has more than 100 volunteers throughout Queensland who provide support to over 1300 child victims and witnesses every year.
“It takes courage for children to go to court and relive a distressing experience in front of complete strangers,” PACT CEO Jo Bryant said.
“Courts are daunting places for adults, let alone children.
“Our volunteers teach children about the court process and the people involved, and they accompany the child when they meet with the prosecutor and when they give their evidence.
“PACT support enables the child to be better prepared for the court process, to know what to expect, and this empowers them to give the best evidence possible.”
Ms Bryant said PACT voluntary work was extremely rewarding.
“It is also great to get recognition for the important work we do from the judiciary, the police and the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.”
Child Witness Support volunteers come from all walks of life, including many retired professionals or full time parents whose children have grown up.
Prospective volunteers do not have to have any previous experience as comprehensive training is provided.
PACT has also good support processes in place for its volunteers such as debriefing, regular team meetings and in-service training.
What PACT volunteers have in common is flexibility to accommodate the needs of the children to be supported at court during court sittings, maturity, commitment and a desire to do something meaningful that can make a real difference to vulnerable members of their community.
More information about becoming a PACT volunteer can be obtained by phoning them on 1800-449-632, or by visiting their website to download an information pack.
