MINIMUM SERVICE STANDARDS
1. We will provide information on the Trust services and offer our support to victims or witnesses within 48 hours of receipt of a full referral.
2. The emotional and practical support to victims and witnesses will only be given by a professional Coordinator or trained Counselling Volunteer.
3. All visits will be made to meet the needs of the victim or witness.
4. The victim or witness will be given a six-point service commitment covering the support provided including matters such as length and regularity of visits and confidentiality on the first support visit.
5. Victims or witnesses will be offered emotional and practical support for as long as it is useful to them.
6. The support provided to victims or witnesses is closely monitored via our clinical supervison processes with formal clinical reviews conducted at 3 months, 6 months and 12 month intervals.
7. Support will include, for both victims and witnesses, accompanied pre-hearing visits to, and support at hearings in, Magistrates' Court, Crown Court or Coroners' Court.
8. Support will include the offer of limited free legal support / advocacy provided by lawyers with appropriate professional qualifications who have signed a protocol agreement of standards with the Trust. (Currently the minimum free advocacy standard is 2 hours per victim/witness)
9. Coordinators and volunteer counsellors will always aim to work with clients towards an agreed planned ending of the support provided.
