OUR TEAM

Protecting the well-being of an abused child requires strong collaboration among multiple agencies and professions to ensure comprehensive care and support.

Uncovering the truth behind allegations of child abuse is both time-consuming and complex. Balancing the needs of the child with the requirements of the justice system demands specialized skills, knowledge, and a high degree of sensitivity. The Caribou Centre’s collaborative approach strengthens the support provided to children throughout the investigation process while also enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement and the justice system. The use of a multidisciplinary team is widely recognized as a cornerstone of best practices for Child Advocacy Centres.

The Caribou Centre’s core team includes Law Enforcement, Children & Family Services, Crown Prosecution, Pace Centre, Caribou Family Support Advocates, and Pluto & Sky, the Caribou Centre’s Facility Dogs. This team remains consistent throughout most investigations, creating stability and continuity for the child. By connecting the expertise and perspectives of each agency, the Centre provides a strong network of protection and support. Each organization brings its own mandate and responsibilities, ensuring that there is always a professional focused on meeting the child’s needs.

Investigations typically begin with a Child Forensic Interview conducted at the Caribou Centre. Members of the multidisciplinary team are able to observe the interview from a separate room, either live or later via recording. This coordinated approach reduces the number of times a child is interviewed and limits the number of unfamiliar individuals involved, minimizing further trauma and the need for repeated disclosures. The presence and input of a Crown Prosecutor ensures that the criminal justice process is appropriately represented, contributing to stronger case outcomes and higher-than-average conviction rates for child abuse cases.

Collaboration among multiple agencies also benefits children and their families by reducing the need to travel to numerous locations during the investigation. Support services can be accessed more quickly, allowing the healing process to begin sooner.

While the Caribou Centre team continues to learn and grow through ongoing collaboration, the guiding belief remains clear: as a community, we learn the most by listening to our children and responding to their needs first. A child’s right to safety, security, support, and understanding is the driving force behind this work. Nurturing and protecting our children, and our future generations, is at the heart of everything we do.