REGINA CHILDREN'S JUSTICE CENTRE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF HELPING CHILDREN

For 10 years, the Regina Children's Justice Centre has played an important role in protecting children. It is a child-friendly facility where police, child protection workers, healthcare workers and prosecutors operate as a team to investigate and act on child abuse. The Centre's model is the first-of-its-kind in Canada based on its integrated approach and its ability to minimize trauma to victims and their families. The Centre conducts an average of 250 reviews per year.

"Since 1994, the Regina Children's Justice Centre has been offering a unique and very successful approach to child abuse investigations in Regina," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "This program is an excellent example of collaboration between government and the community that is helping to combat child abuse, and to ensure the safety and well-being of children."

"Keeping communities and children safe is a top priority of this government, and the Regina Children's Justice Centre is vital in helping us achieve this important objective," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "We are pleased to be part of this co-operative approach to reducing the trauma experienced by child victims of abuse in an efficient and compassionate way."

"For the past decade, this Centre has provided a vital service to our community, helping to protect our most vulnerable and precious resource – our children," Chair of the Regina Board of Police Commissioners Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "By working together and sharing our expertise, we are making the most effective use of our resources in working to achieve the ultimate goal, to keep our children safe."

"Child Abuse investigations are particularly challenging because the victims are young, vulnerable, dependent and impressionable. Investigating thoroughly and competently, while not adding to victims' stress, is the hallmark of the Regina Children's Justice Centre," Police Chief Cal Johnston said. "Our partnership here in Regina has become a template for similar, integrated efforts across the country."

Funding for staff and operations of the Centre are provided by the province, through the Departments of Justice and Community Resources and Employment, and by the city through the Regina Police Service. Five child protection staff, 10 police officers and two support staff work at the facility.

The facility has two 'soft rooms' designed to create a relaxing environment and that are equipped with audio and videotape equipment used for interviewing children and witnesses of suspected child abuse. The audio and video recordings are used in court and by counsellors and therapists, which reduces the trauma to children by preventing leading and repeated questioning.

The Provincial Child Abuse Protocol, established in 1995, provides a blueprint for the Centre's approach, outlining principles to guide roles and responsibilities for participating organizations, professionals and communities.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0531	Deb McEwen Justice Regina Phone: (306)787-6043
Elizabeth Popowich Regina Police Service Regina Phone: (306)777-6364