It opened near the St. Catharines courthouse
Children enduring the court system in Niagara have a new level of support... the Kristen French Court Support Centre.
Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Development Director Kim Rossi tells us it just opened not far from the St. Catharines courthouse, and is an extension of the Child Victim Witness Program.
She says kids are guided through numerous court appearances. "They're being taken through the courtroom, so they know what to expect, where they sit, what they might be asked. And, they are cross examined by the defense, and it's not an easy process, for anyone, even adults... but, could you imagine a young child."
As for the kids themselves, she says 80 children are in the Child Victim Witness program, going through 55 cases.
The kids appear to like the centre. "We expect to see about 125 cases in all, before the end of this year. I can share with you that we have had some families come through the centre, one child did express how great it was, and asked if she could have her birthday party there."
She adds community and government support is crucial.
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