Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ChISVAs)

What is a ChISVA?

A ChISVA (Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) is an independent worker who can provide practical and emotional support to children and young people aged 4 to 17 years, who have experienced rape, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation at any time during their life. They provide emotional and practical support and liaise between the police, courts and other agencies, acting as an advocate for the survivor.

The ChISVA is able to:

• Risk assess and help children and young people keep safe.
• Provide emotional and practical support through the criminal justice system.
• Support the parent and child or young person with the investigation and court, including information and advice around the criminal justice system and pre-trial court visits, as well as support during the trial.
• Develop an individual support plan with the young person.
• Liaise with other professionals on the young person’s behalf (e.g. social worker)
• Support child and young person to access their rights.
• Support child and young person to access health and other services they may require.
• Monitor and keep children and young people informed of case progress.
• Consider and respond to child safeguarding issues when engaging with all children and young people.
• Raise awareness of healthy and unhealthy relationships, grooming, consent and sexual violence.
• Empower the young person.
• Following the trial support the child or young person to help them move forward.

We are very fortunate to have our own support dog, Colin, in our ChISVA service at Trust House. He works one-to-one with children to help them access emotional support and support them with the court process. Colin is a 4-year-old miniature labradoodle. He has been working in schools and colleges since he was 3 months old.

What can I expect from the first meeting?

Your first meeting with your ChISVA will be an assessment, whereby you have a chance to find out more about the service and ask any relevant questions. Your ChISVA will then ask a few questions about the child or young person in order to assess whether it is the right service for them. The assessment will end with an agreement between both the ChISVA and the parent/guardian about what the plan is going forward.

For further information, please email support@trusthouse.org.uk or call 07718578265.