The Child Victims Assistance Center of the National Council for the Child (NCC) has operated for nearly three decades, providing specialized assistance to children and youth who face unique challenges throughout the criminal justice process — offering information, emotional support, guidance, and continuous accompaniment and support.

Law enforcement and judicial systems are not sufficiently adapted to the needs of children and youth. Many find themselves in unfamiliar procedures, without clear or accessible information about the stages of the process, the applicable rules, or the roles of the various professionals involved. In many cases, children and their parents are not updated on significant decisions that affect their lives, leaving them with unanswered questions and no clear address for support.

To support child victims and reduce the additional harm that may arise from investigative and legal proceedings, the NCC established the Child Victims Support Center.

Within the Center, trained volunteers — law students and students of mental health professions — personally accompany children and their families throughout the criminal process. They serve as a steady and accessible source of support, maintain ongoing contact with law enforcement authorities (police and prosecution) and other relevant bodies (Protection Centers, welfare offices, schools, treatment centers, and more), and update children and families on developments in their cases. The volunteers explain the process in clear, age-appropriate language, assist in accessing and exercising rights, accompany children to meetings with the prosecution team and court hearings, and provide pre-court orientation to help reduce fear and restore a sense of control.

Each year, the Center accompanies approximately 650 children and their families during some of their most difficult moments, providing professional, sensitive, accessible, and continuous support.