Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre 

This month, we are excited to feature the Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre as our Charity Spotlight. We are continually reminded of the great work being done in and around our community, and we encourage you to keep reading to learn more about this important organization and how you can support their efforts. 

About Their Work 

The Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre serves children and youth who have experienced abuse. Assistance is provided through the investigative, justice, and healing processes with a continuum of multi-disciplinary resources in a child-friendly environment. They are innovative leaders who foster an inclusive community where every child and youth are heard, respected, and safe from abuse. 

The Zebra Centre’s multidisciplinary team is made up of dedicated law enforcement, specialized assessors, medical professionals, and Zebra Centre staff. It takes a whole team (which they refer to as their “herd”) to support children and youth who have experienced or witnessed abuse. These experiences range from sexual and physical abuse to emotional abuse and internet-based crimes. Their herd includes official partners like Edmonton Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Children & Family Services, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, but it also includes community members just like you! 

“4,362 kids were supported, and 1,543 forensic interviews were conducted by multi-disciplinary partners in 2023.”

–Zebra Centre 

The Zebra Centre provides the following support programs: 

• Child Advocacy: Advocates ensure a child’s needs remain everyone’s top priority. 

• Forensic Interviews: A recorded conversation where the child can tell their story in a safe and comfortable environment. 

• Hope’s Toy Closet: A special place where children and youth’s bravery is celebrated with a new toy or quilt. 

• Backpack Program: Every child in need leaves with appropriate clothing, pajamas, and personal items. 

• Court Preparation & Accompaniment: Zebra staff, volunteers, and Crown Prosecutors work together to ensure children and youth have a friendly face to see them through the court process. Their team answers any questions, helps dispel any fears the child might have, and accompanies them and their family to the Edmonton Law Courts. 

• Trauma Treatment Service: The Zebra Centre, in partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS), provides Trauma Treatment Service on-site. Their partner psychologists and therapists provide crucial mental health support. The Zebra Centre also connects families with trusted counseling and trauma professionals in the community. 

• Very Important Paws: Special facility dogs provide comfort to children and youth at the Zebra Centre during their interview process and at court while they are testifying. 

Learn more about the continuum of support provided by the Zebra Centre by visiting www.zebracentre.ca/our-process. 

How You Can Help 

Organizations like the Zebra Centre rely on incredible support from the community. Donations allow them to continue advocating for children and youth who have experienced abuse. Learn more about all the ways to give by visiting www.zebracentre.ca/donate. 

The Zebra Centre depends on the outstanding work of Zebra volunteers to help support children, youth, and their non-offending caregivers. 

The Importance of Awareness of Child Abuse and the Zebra Centre 

• Community members can help increase awareness of the serious yet important issue of child abuse, creating safer spaces where young people are heard, believed, and supported. 

• Although childhood trauma has lasting impacts (like on brain development, relationships, and physical/mental health), studies show positive outcomes when a young person is believed and supported as they disclose, especially when they receive early intervention. 

A Big Move Ahead! 

The Zebra Centre is thrilled to share that they will be moving into a larger and more accessible building later this year! The new Zebra Centre has been designed to provide timely access, more personalized supports, and additional resources in a free-standing, one-story building with ample parking and transit options. There will be space for their entire herd, including counselors, detectives, social workers, and more. 

Community members who would like to show their stripes by supporting this exciting move can visit www.zebracentre.ca/showyourstripes. 

To stay up to date on the Zebra Centre, you can follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 

We want to thank the Zebra Centre for providing a safe space and incredible support to children who need them most.