Children and Young People Team Frequently Asked Questions
Our Children and Young People Team offers both emotional and practical help that aims to help young people to cope and recover after crime. To find out more about the specialised service our team have answered some of the frequently asked questions they receive.
The first of the frequently asked questions are those often asked by young people themselves. Our support is completely tailored to the needs of the victim and our caseworkers will support them in a way that works best for them.
Are you the Police?
No – We are an independent charity, so not directly linked to the Police but we do work in partnership with them when needed. You do not have to report a crime to the Police to access support from the Victim Care Service.
I don’t want to talk about what has happened, is this ok?
Yes – It is fine not to talk about the crime itself during support sessions. Our support is tailored to individual needs and we focus on coping, recovery and moving beyond the crime.
How often is the support?
The support from our caseworkers can vary depending on the needs of the victim; this can be discussed with the caseworker when support begins.
What does a support session look like?
All of our sessions are victim led and delivered in a way that best suits the child or young person; sessions usually involve a lot of play, arts & crafts, reading of specialised story books and lots more.
Do parents need to know what is discussed within the support meetings?
No – We will explore the role of the parent and how much the CYP would like parent and guardians involved from the start of support. It can be a positive thing as this may help the parent and guardian to understand how to assist, develop or continue support. We can support anyone from the age of 13 without parental consent if a competency assessment is completed.
The next frequently asked questions are those often asked by parent and guardians; our Children and Young People Team can support parents and guardians to support their child after crime.
What is the Victim Care Service?
The Victim Care Service, provided by Victim Support works on behalf of Hampshire Constabulary to provide The Victim Care Service across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Victim Support is an independent charity that has a range of support available to help people affected by crime cope and recover.
How does support help?
Our specialist Children’s and Young People service offers both emotional and practical support that aims to help children and young people to:
- Develop coping strategies
- Make positive changes
- Assess and address their feelings about their experiences (including safety planning)
- Identify and address their feelings about their experiences
- Plan for the future
- Reintegrate back into schools and communities
- Have a say in decisions made about them
How long does the support last for?
Crime affects people in very different ways; which is why the support you receive from our case workers will be tailored to the young person’s needs and does not have a time limit, meaning it can last as long as it is needed for.
How do we access the support or find our more information?
You can call us on our free phone number 0808 178 1641 or email us at cyp.hiow@victimsupport.org.uk
How much does the support cost?
Our services are completely free.
Our final frequently asked questions are those often asked by partner agencies. We work alongside partner agencies to ensure that victims can access and receive the right support they need after crime.
Do you have a waiting list?
No – we do not have a waiting list for support, victims can access our support by calling our free phone number 0808 178 1641 where they can talk to a trained supporter in confidence.
Does the crime need to be reported to the police?
No- it does not matter whether the crime has been reported to the police or if you are a victim or witness- our free, confidential service is delivered by a friendly team who can offer emotional or practical support to help you move on from the effects of crime.
How do you make a referral?
You can make a referral by filling in our referral form and emailing it to our secure email address. The form and details can be found on our website under ‘for professionals’ heading.
What age range do you provide support for?
The Victim Care Service provides free, confidential support for victims of crime who are residents of Hampshire and Isle of Wight aged 4 upwards. Our aim is to help you cope and recover from the effects of crime, regardless of whether or not you have reported to the police.
What crimes do you support for?
All crimes- we can support anyone who has been affected by crime; victims, witnesses and non-direct victims.
Can victims or the parent/guardians call direct for support?
Yes- victims can self-refer to access support by calling our free phone number 0808 178 1641, emailing our CYP team at cyp.hiow@victimsupport.org.uk or by requesting a call via our website.
If you have any further questions or require more information about the service we provide you can call us on our free phone number 0808 178 1641 or email our Children and Young People Team at cyp.hiow@victimsupport.org.uk.
