Who is eligible for referral
Any child or young person (aged under 18 years when charges are laid) who may be a witness in a criminal matter anywhere in Victoria.
When to refer a child or young person
It is important that a child or young person is referred to the Child and Youth Witness Service (CYWS) as soon as possible after charges have been laid, even if a decision has not been made about them needing to give evidence.
An early referral provides an opportunity for the CYWS to address initial concerns and to provide timely information and support.
Information needed for the referral
The following details should be provided:
- child or young person’s name, date of birth, gender, and any individual needs
- details of the child or young person’s current caregivers
- contact phone numbers for the child and caregiver
- confirmation of consent for the referral from the child or young person’s parent or other legal guardian
- name of accused, type of charges, and next court hearing date and location of the court.
How to make a referral
Victoria Police use the VP 1394 referral form and the Office of Public Prosecutions has its own referral form.
For others outside those organisations, for example, families and other community agencies, please use this form:
Please email the completed referral form to ChildandYouthWitnessService@justice.vic.gov.au.
After a referral is made
The CYWS considers the needs of the child or young person, court dates and service capacity in prioritising allocation of clients to a CYWS practitioner.
After a child or young person has been referred to the CYWS, the referrer will be contacted to clarify information. The parent/caregiver will then be contacted to arrange an appointment to meet with the CYWS practitioner.
Learn more about the CYWS
If you would like us to talk to your team or organisation about the work we do, please email us at ChildandYouthWitnessService@justice.vic.gov.au.
A flyer with information on the CYWS is available to download:
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