About ASSC

Accompaniment Support Service for Children (A.S.S.C.) was set up in 2020 to address the needs of young people as they negotiate their way through the Criminal Justice System. Our service provides accompaniment and advocacy for young people and their families at different stages through the justice system. With our support, we help ensure that this happens without re-traumatisation or re-victimisation and that young people are treated with compassion and dignity.

A.S.S.C. was set up as there was no dedicated service for children during what is often a stressful and overwhelming experience for young people and victim support is a right under both Irish and EU legislation. We are the only organisation in Ireland committed to safeguarding children during criminal proceedings, adhering to the guidelines of the Children’s First Act 2015.

A.S.S.C. is a not-for-profit charity and is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees. The day-to-day running of the organisation is conducted by two Senior Directors. The founding members of A.S.S.C. are Grace Jordan, Eve Farrelly & Lynette Bradshaw.

A.S.S.C. is delighted to be working in partnership and to be supported by the Department of Justice.

Our vision is a fully transparent and comprehensive process where young people and their families are supported through the Irish Justice System without re-traumatisation and/or re-victimisation; a process where young people who fall victim to and/or witness a crime have access to services where they are supported, respected, and treated with compassion and dignity. We’d like to ensure that young people can navigate their way through a Criminal Justice System where their rights are front and foremost. A.S.S.C.’s vision is to provide national services that are easily accessible to everyone that needs them regardless of their means.

A.S.S.C’s mission is to provide all young people and families with accompaniment and support during their time within the Criminal Justice System. A.S.S.C provides advocacy and a voice for the rights and experiences of young people and their families through the Criminal Justice System.

A.S.S.C. aims to deliver our mission by providing accompaniment support and advocacy services for young people and their families who have been affected by crime.

A.S.S.C is committed to delivering these services with compassion and respect, as needed, regardless of means.

• Children’s Rights Alliance
• Carmichael

Lady Justice is also known as the Roman goddess of Justice. She symbolises the moral force of judicial systems. Representing justice, she wears a blindfold for objectivity of the law. For a system free of bias and prejudice; not letting outside factors of social class, wealth, and fame interfere. The scale she holds illustrates the obligation of the law to weigh up the evidence presented in court. The sword is representative of the enforcement of justice and punishment. A double-edged blade signifies both punishment and from defence the law. She holds the sword lower than the scales because punishment can only happen after all evidence is weighed. A snake and a book lying at her feet; the snake representing evil and the book representing the constitution which is the foundation of Irish Judicial Systems