A Safe Space For Kids

The Zebra Centre is dedicated to being a safe space for kids, here's how we support them in sharing their story.

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 Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 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 to the Zebra Centre as soon as possible often within hours in a crisis situation.

Upon arriving at the Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy 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.

This is where a child is given the chance to tell their story. Upon meeting the interviewer, the child is taken into a second room with comfortable furniture and soft colours. It’s in this room that the interviewer will have a recorded conversation with the child and give them the opportunity to tell their story. The interview is always recorded for several reasons, primarily because the recording eliminates the need for the child to tell their story multiple times. As our justice system has evolved considerably, these taped interviews can be used as evidence in legal proceedings or as a tool to help the child prepare for court.

When charges have been laid and the case proceeds in the judicial system, the child has the opportunity to come back to the Zebra Centre to prepare for their time in the courthouse. In court preparation, the child will meet with more child advocates and the case’s Crown Prosecutor to learn about the rules surrounding court and to dispel any fears the child might have towards the process.

Sometimes, the best support comes on 4 paws. Throughout 2024, we had three facility dogs, DWW Cajun, DWW Captain, DWW Zeppelin, and Moose who provided comfort to children and youth at the Zebra Centre during their interview process as well as at court while they are testifying. Our facility dog DWW Cajun retired after 2 years of service.

We renamed the Very Important Paws program to the Buddy Dog Program in honour of a special friend of the Zebra Herd, Buddy Victor, who alongside his partner Al Osten, was the first to give in support of creating our new building.

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 at the Edmonton Law Courts as they testify against the accused.

Our support doesn’t stop once a verdict is reached or even when a case is closed. The Zebra Centre is proud to be in partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to provide Trauma Treatment Service on-site. Our partner psychologists and therapists provide crucial mental health supports. The Zebra Centre also provides external mental health resource connections for children and families.