By Brady Ratzlaff

Caribou Centre adds its first dedicated RCMP officer

Aug 20, 2018 | 5:30 AM

The Caribou Child and Youth Centre has added a dedicated member of the RCMP at the Centre for the first time.

Executive Director of PACE Jacquie Aitken-Kish says the RCMP investigator plays a crucial role in helping children affected by sexual abuse talk about their experience.

“One thing we know is that the children need a specialized interview that allows them to tell their story without being lead or being corrupted in any way.”

Aitken-Kish adds this is a position that has been needed for a long time.

“We have so needed an RCMP investigator at the Centre. They have two in Edmonton and two in Calgary. The number of cases we see per year means we can’t be doing it (interviewing) off the side of someone’s desk.”

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The new hire will greatly aid the Centre as Grande Prairie child sexual abuse cases continue and more resources are needed.

“There is too much sexual abuse, there is too much physical abuse. We are beginning to understand that traumatized people may have trouble parenting. We have to deal with the parents and the children and stop the violence,” said Jacquie Aitken-Kish.

Since the Centre’s introduction in 2012, they have partnered with the RCMP, Child Family Services, PACE, Victim Services and the Crown Prosecutor.

The Centre provides care to those who are affected by sexual abuse. It provides counselling services to 500 people a per year and in-home support to families.

It’s one of three in Alberta.