Innovative technology to support children and families through child abuse investigations

Child abuse can lead to significant and life altering impacts for a child. The subsequent investigative, assessment and treatment process can result in re-traumatization or systemic trauma, increasing the time and efforts... [ view full abstract ]

Child abuse can lead to significant and life altering impacts for a child. The subsequent investigative, assessment and treatment process can result in re-traumatization or systemic trauma, increasing the time and efforts required by professionals, and exacerbating the symptoms of trauma experienced by the child. Committed to ensuring a child-friendly space and trauma-informed services, the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre’s unique and innovative Child Life Specialist position has led to significant positive outcomes for both children and professionals at the Centre. For example, observational data suggests that when specialized interventions are used to prepare children, the average length of sexual abuse exams has been reduced by 50%. In the last 36 months, there have been more than 8,500 visits to the Play Space by children receiving child abuse services at the Centre.
Using expertise in the areas of child development and trauma, the Child Life Specialist collaborated with Calgary Police Service, RCMP, Child & Family Services and Alberta Health Services – Child Abuse Service to develop an interactive iPad App to provide developmentally targeted information about what children will experience at the Centre. The app has been approved by all partners as a tool that does not compromise the child abuse investigations and has become a critical component of preparing children and youth for child abuse services.
This presentation will provide participants with:
• An overview and demonstration of the interactive App.
• The critical and positive outcomes of providing age-appropriate and trauma-sensitive information and support to children receiving child abuse services.
• Key features of an interactive tool used to support children at a Child Advocacy Centre.
• Strategies for communicating with children in a non-threatening way, empowering them to be active participants throughout the process.
• Simple measures for creating a child-friendly environment within all spaces and budgets.