A Safe Space
The Zebra Centre is dedicated to being a safe space for kids, here's a few examples of how they support the children in sharing their story.
Multidisciplinary Intake Meeting6 partner organizations represented at each morning’s multidisciplinary intake meeting.Each morning, a team of law enforcement, specialized assessors, medical professionals and Zebra Centre staff gather to review the collaborative response to each unique case, building a plan and assigning work. Children arrive at the Zebra Centre by way of referral through the Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Region Child and Family Services Crisis Unit, Internet Child Exploitation Unit and other policing agencies. From the moment a file is accepted at the Zebra Centre, the goal is to bring the child in seven days or less – often within hours in a crisis situation.
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The First Visit85 volunteer and staff child advocates who welcome and support children at the Zebra Centre.Upon arriving at the Zebra Child Protection Centre, a child will be welcomed in a warm and friendly setting filled with comfortable furniture, paintings and stuffed animals. Part of that experience is being introduced to one of our child advocates who may take them into one of six child-friendly spaces where they will stay until the interviewer arrives. In these rooms the child advocate gives their undivided attention to the child, sometimes offering healthy snacks, drinks and helping them to feel more comfortable before their interview.
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Court Accompaniment245 children accompanied on the stand at the Edmonton Law Courts.For a child whose only experience with a courtroom has been on television dramas, court can be a pretty intimidating place. Thankfully, we always ensure that they will be accompanied by someone every step of the way. Although not all Zebra Centre cases will reach the justice system, our Court Accompaniment Program ensures friendly faces are there to answer any questions and to accompany the child on the stand as they testify against the accused.
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