‘Safe, seen and supported’: Victim Services to expand youth supports in Durham

Fri, Jul 11, 2025 4:00 PM GMT

Victim Services of Durham Region is expanding its support of children and youth with the new Child Victim Witness Program.

The province is investing $600,000 over three years to expand the Child Victim Witness Program to Durham Region, where it will be delivered by Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR).

“This critical funding for the program ensures that young survivors and their families receive the support they need while navigating the justice system,” said Krista MacNeil, executive director of VSDR. “At the Durham Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, we are proud to deliver services that are truly child and youth-centric — designed with their unique needs at the forefront.”

The program helps empower young victims and witnesses under the age of 18 by reducing the potential trauma associated with testifying in court through a range of services including: providing information about the court process, preparing children and youth to testify in court, accompanying children and youth to court, assessing special needs during the court process, providing referrals to other services and offering support and guidance to caregivers.

“This investment helps us continue to build a justice system where every young person feels safe, seen and supported,” MacNeil said.

The program is now available in 15 communities across the province.

The expansion was welcomed by area MPPs, including Whitby MPP Lorne Coe and Durham MPP Todd McCarthy.

For more information, visit victimservicesdurham.ca.

Original article posted here