Integrated model of practice responding to child abuse: Sheldon Kennedy child advocacy centre

In its first 36 months of operations, the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre assessed more than 4,450 infants, children and youth – dealing with all cases of child sexual abuse and the most severe and complex cases of... [ view full abstract ]

In its first 36 months of operations, the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre assessed more than 4,450 infants, children and youth – dealing with all cases of child sexual abuse and the most severe and complex cases of physical abuse and neglect. The not-for-profit Centre, in partnership with Alberta Health Services, Calgary Police Service, Calgary Region Child & Family Services, RCMP, and Calgary Crown Prosecutor’s Office collocates more than 110 professionals to provide an integrated model of practice that has proven to push the boundaries of innovation in the areas of preventing, assessing, investigating and treating child abuse cases.

This Workshop will provide an overview of the integrated and collaborative model of practice developed at the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre (CAC). To help illustrate this integrated response to child abuse, representatives from partner organizations will highlight critical aspects of the Integrated Practice Framework as they are operationalized with the Joint Child Abuse Investigation Team (JICAT) through referral, triage, criminal and child protection investigation(s), medical assessment, crisis intervention, victim services and therapy.

Throughout this Workshop, participants will gain an understanding of the impact of this integrated model of practice on children and families and how the CAC has strived to improve outcomes and build capacity within the community. A Q&A will also be incorporated to encourage participants to share their experiences and development of integrated services in addressing child abuse.

Participants of this Workshop will be provided information on the:
• Vision, mandates and roles within the Sheldon Kennedy CAC
• Principles of CAC Integrated Multidisciplinary Teams
• Joint protocols, procedures and policies
• Outcomes of integrated practice