Their Purpose:

The Zebra Centre serves children and youth who have been impacted by abuse, supporting them through the investigative, justice and healing process with a continuum of multi-disciplinary resources. The Zebra Centre was the first Child Advocacy Centre in Canada and supported 4,272 children and youth in 2022.

Their approach has been considered innovative since day one – bringing diverse partners together in one child-friendly place to collaborate, ensuring no child falls through the cracks and that every child can receive a continuum of support. They often hear from community members and even other organizations how impactful it is to demonstrate that by partnering together, we can make a greater difference. Children and youth come to the Zebra Centre for a variety of reasons after experiencing abuse or harm such as to disclose their story of abuse, prepare for court or to receive mental health support. Because the Zebra Centre exists, children don't have to go to “scary”, grown up places such as police stations and cold administrative offices.

Disclaimer: The following information below may bring uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, or emotions to light. If any of this information makes you feel uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to reach out for support:

• For students: Student Services

• For youth: Zebra Centre (780) 421-2385

Neglect

Any lack of care that causes serious harm to a child’s development or endangers the child in any way. Physical neglect includes failing to provide adequate nutrition, clothing, shelter, health care and protection from harm. Emotional neglect is the failure to meet the child’s need for affection and a sense of belonging. NOTE: Be aware that there is a difference between neglect and poverty.

Physical Abuse

The intentional use of force on any part of a young person’s body that results in serious injuries. It may be a single incident, a series or a pattern of incidents.

Sexual Abuse

The improper exposure of a child to sexual contact, activity or behaviour. It includes any sexual touching, intercourse or exploitation by anyone in whose care a child has been left or who takes advantage of a child. This now includes technology facilitated sexual abuse, online luring and non-contact sexual abuse.

Emotional Abuse

Anything that causes serious mental or emotional harm to a child. Emotional abuse can take the form of verbal attacks on a child’s sense of self, repeated humiliation or rejection. Exposure to domestic violence and severe conflict in the home, forced isolation, restraint or causing a child to be afraid much of the time may also cause emotional harm. 

The Zebra Centre works diligently to provide these 9 core programs:

• Child Advocacy: Their advocates are there to ensure a child’s needs remain everyone’s top priority.

• Forensic Interviews: A recorded conversation where the child can tell their story in a safe and comfortable environment. The interviewer is not in full formal uniform so that the child feels safe.

• Very Important Paws (VIP) Program: Captain and Cajun are there to provide comfort within the Zebra Centre and at the courthouse. Captain works with the child during the one-on-one forensic interview, while Cajun is there for the families at the courthouse. Both dogs are bred and trained by Dogs With Wings.

• Hope's Toy Closet: A very special place where children and youth’s bravery is celebrated with a new toy or gift. These new items are donated by the community and the toy closet is the last stop a young person comes in.

• Backpack Program: Every child in need leaves with the appropriate clothing, pajamas, and personal items if they have to stay the night in the city.

• Care Calls: They provide regular check-ins to offer file updates, referrals and emotional support to caregivers.

• Crisis Response: They provide 24-hour crisis response and advocacy to children who are in immediate need of intervention.

• Trauma Referrals: They connect children to trusted counseling and trauma professionals in the community.

• Court Accompaniment: Preparation and accompaniment is a key step in addressing myths or fears surrounding the court process. Children are prepared at the Zebra Centre, using a variety of tools to make the whole process less scary.

Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach:

The Zebra Centre works together with many services and organizations within the community in order to provide youths with the best possible support.

Supporters Include:

• Edmonton Police Service

• Royal Canadian Mounted Police

• Edmonton Region Child and Family Services

• Alberta Health Services (Child and Adolescent Protection Centre)

• Alberta Justice and Solicitor General

Continuum of Support:

The Zebra Centre’s support doesn’t end when children leave the Centre. It begins before the children even step their foot in the door and never ends.

Reporting: Incidents and suspicions of child maltreatment is reported to Child Services or the Police.

Child Forensic Interview: A “talking appointment” is scheduled with the young person within seven days.

One-Week Follow-Up: A personalized care plan is established with each caregiver.

Monthly Check-Ins and Updates: Investigative and court updates are explained and emotional support is provided.

Court Preparation: A private court preparation lesson is completed and their statement is reviewed.

Court Accompaniment: A pair of advocates attend court with the family, with access to private family rooms.

Conclusion: Advocates debrief with the family, then close the file to cease regular contact.