Information
Agencies will keep child witnesses and/or their families/whānau fully informed with timely and accurate information during the course of the criminal justice process.
In this section
Overview
Understanding the criminal justice process, and knowing exactly where they are in the process and what to expect, helps reduce anxiety for child witnesses and their families/whānau.
Victims of crime (which include the parent or legal guardian of a child who is a victim ) have a legal right under the Victims’ Rights Act 2002 to be informed about the case as it progresses through the criminal justice system
To ensure this principle is met:
The investigation
The Police OC is responsible for keeping the child witness and their family/ whānau informed about the progress of the investigation, including whether the child is likely to have to give evidence in court.
The Police OC and Child, Youth and Family will liaise with the child witness and their family about any forensic interview that is to take place.
The Police OC will inform the child witness when they lay charges and explain the charges that have been laid.
The Police OC will inform the child witness and the family if the defendant/accused pleads guilty and the child witness will not be required to give evidence.
Preparing for court
If the child witness or their family/whānau has accepted Court Services for Victims, the victim advisor will be the key contact for informing them about the court process, and how the case they are involved with is proceeding. Otherwise the Police OC will do so.
The Police OC will notify the witness once a trial date has been arranged.
If the child witness or their family/whānau has accepted Court Services for Victims, the victim advisor will inform them each time the person accused of the offence will be appearing in court.
After court
If the witness is a victim and has accepted Court Services for Victims then the victim advisor will tell the child witness and/or their parent about whether the defendant was found guilty or not guilty and when sentencing will take place. If the witness is a victim, they have the right to this information under the Victims’ Rights Act 2002. Child witnesses who are not victims will be kept informed by the Police OC.
If the witness is a victim and has accepted Court Services for Victims then the Victim Advisor will keep the child witness and/or their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) updated regarding any appeals.
The Police OC is likely to offer the child witness and their family/whānau an opportunity to discuss the outcome of the trial and ask any questions.
If the child and their parent did not take up the opportunity to register with the victim notification system earlier and the offender has been convicted of serious offences , the Police will ensure they know that they can join the system at any time, including when the offender is in prison and give assistance to make the application.
This may also be done by the victim advisor.
