The Justice Minister has met a therapy dog who helps children and
young people as they prepare to attend courts across Northern
Ireland.
Sebastian, a two-year-old St Bernard x Bernese Mountain Dog and
certified therapy dog, supports children and young people as part
of the NSPCC Young Witness Service.
The service, which is funded by the Department of Justice, is
available to young prosecution witnesses under the age of 18, and
their parents or carers before, during and after trial.
also had the opportunity to hear
first-hand from volunteers from the charity about the Young
Witness Service.
She said: I would like to pay tribute to all those who deliver
this incredible service, especially the volunteers who give up
their time to help children and young people through what can be
an extremely difficult experience.
Attending court, even just to watch proceedings, can be daunting
and intimidating for adults, so it cannot be underestimated the
courage it takes for a child or young person to give evidence.
We know that the Young Witness Service is an invaluable tool in
providing support and reassurance to young people, children and
their families, helping them to provide their best evidence to
the court and, in turn, ensuring that justice is served.
It has been a particular treat to meet Sebastian and his owner,
Megan, who are making a tangible difference to the lives of
children and young people as they engage with the criminal
justice system.
Where a young witness requests the support of Sebastian and when
he is available, he spends time with them as they wait at the
court buildings.
The Young Witness Service is available for all crown, magistrate
and youth courts across Northern Ireland.
Young prosecution witnesses are entitled to give evidence
remotely and do so by videolink; either from a special room in
court or from a remote evidence centre (REC).
Jenni Boyce, Partnership Service Manager at NSPCC Northern
Ireland's Young Witness Service, said: “We were delighted that
the Minister of Justice could join us today to meet our new court
assistance dog, Sebastian, and find out about the special ways he
supports young witnesses while they wait to give their evidence.
“Sebastian will be working alongside our staff and dedicated team
of wonderful volunteers who ensure that children feel safe,
listened to and supported whilst navigating their way through the
criminal justice system.”
