Child Victim Assistance Program

The Child Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) is a joint effort of the Attorney General's Office and the offices of two of the district attorneys across North Carolina. This pilot program is designed to offer services and support to child victims and their families as they go through the criminal court process. CVAP's mission is to help ensure that children who have been traumatized by abuse are not victimized further by the court system. The program works with agencies in the community to fill the gap in services and to be a friend to assist child victims and their families.

The CVAP Director, located in the Attorney General's Victims and Citizens Services Section, works with full-time Child Victim Assistance Coordinators in the fifth and seventh prosecutorial districts. Coordinators are responsible for recruiting, training and supervising volunteers/interns and creating a strong network with those involved in their district's criminal child abuse cases.

CVAP Coordinators and volunteers/interns:

• Help the victim/family to navigate the court system
• Accompany the victim/ family to court
• Refer the victim/family to appropriate professional mental health, medical or social services
• Assist the victim/family with victim compensation claims
• Serve as a liaison between the District Attorney's office and the victim/family
• Raise community awareness of child abuse and the CVAP program