Province expanding Child Victim Witness Program to SD&G and Akwesasne

June 27, 2025

News Release

Cornwall, ON — The Ontario government is investing $600,000 over three years to help protect child victims and witnesses of crime in Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry and

Akwesasne. The funding is part of the government’s $4.2 million investment to expand the Child Victim Witness Program to more communities across the province.

“Victims and witness of crime need to be supported while they bravely navigate

Ontario’s justice system,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South

Glengarry. “Through the Child Victim Witness Program, our government is ensuring that children and youth victims and witnesses in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry and Akwesasne have greater access to the support they need to feel safe and empowered—in and out of the courtroom.”

Koala Place Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, located in Cornwall, will deliver the Child Victim Witness Program to help empower young victims and witnesses, under the age of 18 years, by reducing the potential trauma associated with testifying in court. The program’s services include:

Providing information about the court process
Preparing children and youth to testify in court
Accompanying children and youth to court
Assessing any special needs during the court process (i.e., testimonial aids)
Referrals to other services
Support and guidance for caregivers

“Reliving traumatic experiences in a courtroom can be incredibly difficult – especially for children and youth,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “That’s why our government is expanding this vital program to more communities, so young victims and witnesses across Ontario have the support they need, closer to home.”

The Child Victim Witness Program is available in 15 communities across the province.

Quick facts

The Victim/Witness Assistance Program provides services and supports to victims and witnesses of crime. It also supports children and youth and their guardians in regions where the Child Victim Witness Program is not available.
Ontario is committed to protecting communities and victims of crime and is taking action through the Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act and related measures .

Quotes

“Koala Place Child and Youth Advocacy Centre has been supporting young victims of crime in our community for more than 11 years. We have supported more than 1300 victims, and the Board and staff is honoured that the Ontario government is collaborating with our agency to enhance the community-based model of the Child Victim Witness Program in SDG&A. The new program places children and youth victims of crime who require court preparation and support at the forefront, ensuring a traumainformed approach.” – Chantal Prieur, Executive Director of Koala Place

For Further Information:

Adrian Bugelli

Office of Nolan Quinn MPP

613-933-6513 adrian.bugelli@pc.ola.org