Library

16 results found

Children and the justice system in Canada: Developmental considersations for enhancing evidence

What is it. Child disclosure is the cornerstone of child abuse cases. This report outlines key development considerations for collecting evidence from children including executive functioning skills, language development, memory processes and impact of stress on memory, and how they shape the quality of a disclosure. It examines common challenges children face when providing evidence and identifies the unique role of CYACs to improving their experiences within the justice system. How can it help me? CYACs play…
- Forensic Interviews,
- Victim Advocacy and Support Services
- Report
January 1, 2026
Implementation evaluation of remote testimony

What is it. Testimonial aids can help reduce the trauma children and youth may experience through participating in the criminal legal process and enable them to provide a fulsome testimony. Remote testimony is when a child or youth provides video testimony at a site other than the courthouse. Child and Youth Advocacy Centres have started…
- Victim Advocacy and Support Services
- Article
November 6, 2025
Remote testimony

What is it. This panel shared practical and legal insights to help CYACs plan and deliver remote testimony effectively. Remote testimony is when a child or youth provides their testimony virtually at a site other than the courthouse. Panelists discussed what CYACs need for a successful setup, such as reliable technology, private spaces, and clearly…
- Victim Advocacy and Support Services
- R2P Panel
October 23, 2025
Trauma-informed justice in child abuse cases

What is it. Trauma-informed practice is essential for promoting healing and minimizing re-traumatization. In Canada, changes to the Criminal Code, Canada Evidence Act, and Victims Bill of Rights aim to better support children and youth involved in the criminal justice system. However, significant gaps remain in how these practices are implemented, particularly by legal actors…
- Article
October 12, 2025
The role of support dogs in CYACs

What is it. This webinar explores the role of facility dogs in CYACs and how they can provide emotional support to children and youth. Facility dogs are specially trained to offer comfort, assist with emotional regulation, and help create a sense of security. This can be especially useful during high-stress situations such as forensic interviews…
- Child-Focused Setting,
- Forensic Interviews
- Webinar
September 23, 2025
Questioning the expertise of “experts” who recommend active hypothesis testing in child forensic interviews

What is it. Despite advances in the field, the judicial system continues to accept testimony from experts who recommend practices that do not align with best practice protocols in forensic interviews. This article provides a summary of best practices and techniques in child forensic interviews. It spotlights the need to educate judges and prosecutors to…
- Article
August 22, 2025
Department of Justice: Virtual testimony from child advocacy centres and child and youth advocacy centres

What is it. Virtual testimony allows children and youth to testify from a safe and child-friendly space instead of a courtroom. Although virtual testimony has been available for several decades, its use remains limited. This research article emphasizes the importance of virtual testimony as part of a trauma-informed approach when children and youth are required to…
- Diversity and Inclusion,
- Victim Advocacy and Support Services
- Article
February 1, 2025
Investigative interviewers peer feedback on a child forensic interview

What is it. Forensic interviewing with children is complex and requires specialized knowledge. Interviewers often struggle to follow best practices due to limited training, and lack of feedback. Addressing these barriers is essential to maintain the integrity of the interview and protect the well-being of the child. This study examined the quality and structure of peer feedback and whether training…
- Forensic Interviews
- Article Summary
January 22, 2025
Facility dogs impact on forensic interview quality

What is it. This study investigates whether the presence of facility dogs during forensic interviews with children influences the quality of the interviews—specifically, whether children provide more detailed accounts of alleged abuse and whether interviewers maintain adherence to non-suggestive questioning protocols. The findings suggest that while facility dogs may help reduce stress and provide emotional…
- Child-Focused Setting,
- Forensic Interviews
- Article Summary
December 1, 2024
Department of Justice: Review of forensic interviewing methods for vulnerable victims

What is it. Forensic interviewing is a process in which a trained interviewer gathers information from a victim, witness, or person of interest in relation to a crime. The goal is to collect sufficient information and evidence for a successful prosecution while simultaneously protecting the child and/or youth’s psychological and emotional safety by avoiding re-traumatization.…
- Child-Focused Setting,
- Forensic Interviews
- Article
December 1, 2024