New Child and Youth Justice Centre Opens in Moose Jaw

A new child and youth advocacy centre has opened in Moose Jaw, aiming to support victims of childhood trauma. The facility, known as the Moose Jaw Little Oak Child and Youth Justice Centre, was established through a federal investment of $470,000 in partnership with the provincial government. The centre is designed to create a safe environment for young victims, allowing them to share their experiences more comfortably.

Tim McLeod, the Minister of Justice, emphasized the importance of this investment during the opening ceremony. He noted that the funding supports the development of the facility and includes improvements to existing interview rooms. Additionally, resources are allocated to enhance the internet child exploitation unit, which plays a critical role in addressing online abuse.

The funding will also help expand the victim services responder program, specifically aimed at assisting children and youth under 18 years of age who have experienced abuse. This comprehensive approach is intended to provide better support for young victims during a sensitive time.

In a statement, Buckley Belanger, the Secretary of State in Rural Development, highlighted the centre’s mission. “We’ve got champions that are really putting together a place where children feel safe, that they can feel comfortable and they can open up to some of the trauma,” he said. This emphasis on creating a welcoming atmosphere is crucial given the challenges many young victims face, particularly in cases of family violence.

Traditionally, victims were often interviewed by police officers in uniform, which could heighten anxiety in already distressing situations. The new facility aims to change this dynamic by employing officers trained in victim and social services. Additionally, a facility dog will be present to provide comfort and support to young visitors.

Terri Roney, the victim services co-ordinator with the Moose Jaw Police Service, explained the shift in approach. “In past practice, they would go to the police station, and sometimes those officers would be in uniforms,” she noted. The introduction of this centre represents a move towards trauma-informed practices that prioritize the well-being of young victims.

The Moose Jaw Little Oak Child and Youth Justice Centre is the third such facility supported by the federal and provincial governments in Saskatchewan. Similar advocacy centres are also located in Regina and Saskatoon. A fourth centre is currently operational in Lloydminster, although it is not funded through Justice Canada’s Child and Youth Advocacy Centre initiative.

With this new facility, Moose Jaw takes a significant step towards addressing the needs of vulnerable youth, fostering an environment where they can receive the help they need in a supportive and understanding setting.