THE GOOD PLACE
Creating a Gentler Space for Youth at the Zebra Centre
Since 2002, the centre has guided young abuse survivors through the justice process. By Remi Sullivan
(Top) The centre’s CEO, Emmy Stuebing. (Above) The Zebra Centre brings young victims of abuse together with support professionals in a safe and friendly environment. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ADAM BORMAN; COURTESY OF THE ZEBRA CENTRE (EMILY STEUBING)
When zebras face a threat in the wild, the adult animals encircle their young to protect them.
The Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, which opened in Edmonton in 2002, aims to do the same for children and youth who’ve experienced violence or abuse. The centre offers a safe place, bringing all the professionals — police officers, Crown prosecutors and social workers — to meet with the child in a friendly environment.
“None of the police officers, when they’re in the centre and if they’re interacting with kiddos… wear a uniform,” says the centre’s CEO, Emmy Stuebing. “Basically, we do all that we can to make it more gentle.”
The centre helps young people who’ve experienced abuse (whether physical, sexual or emotional abuse), neglect, online bullying or sexual exploitation. The team also supports children or youth who’ve witnessed abuse or a violent crime.
The Zebra Centre was the first of its kind in Canada when it opened, but the model has since been replicated in other locations, including Calgary. It is funded by government grants and donations, and relies on volunteer support.
“We’re a cause that people hope they never have to use, and it’s not exactly a cause that’s easy to talk about,” Stuebing says. “I know that when kids come through here, they’ve experienced a real trauma, but I also know that they’re surrounded by great people.”
For example, a child who is a victim of abuse may have to testify in court, and the centre can sometimes facilitate giving testimony remotely. If the child must testify in person, centre representatives — both human and canine — can go with them. The centre has four dogs who’ve been trained to provide comfort to children and their caregivers in courthouses, helping to reduce stress.
Sarah Doolittle, the centre’s on-site courthouse manager, and her facility dog, Fletcher, received the Alberta Community Justice Award in 2022 for their work supporting young people through these difficult moments.
“The dogs help break down barriers,” says Stuebing. “There’s no judgment.”
Animals seem to understand when someone needs their help — and they’re eager to give it. AMA
“The centre has four dogs who’ve been trained to provide comfort to children and their caregivers in courthouses, helping to reduce stress.”
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(From left) The centre’s CEO, Emmy Stuebing. (Above) The Zebra Centre brings young victims of abuse together with support professionals in a safe and friendly environment. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ADAM BORMAN; COURTESY OF THE ZEBRA CENTRE (EMILY STEUBING)
When zebras face a threat in the wild, the adult animals encircle their young to protect them.
The Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, which opened in Edmonton in 2002, aims to do the same for children and youth who’ve experienced violence or abuse. The centre offers a safe place, bringing all the professionals — police officers, Crown prosecutors and social workers — to meet with the child in a friendly environment.
“None of the police officers, when they’re in the centre and if they’re interacting with kiddos… wear a uniform,” says the centre’s CEO, Emmy Stuebing. “Basically, we do all that we can to make it more gentle.”
The centre helps young people who’ve experienced abuse (whether physical, sexual or emotional abuse), neglect, online bullying or sexual exploitation. The team also supports children or youth who’ve witnessed abuse or a violent crime.
The Zebra Centre was the first of its kind in Canada when it opened, but the model has since been replicated in other locations, including Calgary. It is funded by government grants and donations, and relies on volunteer support.
“We’re a cause that people hope they never have to use, and it’s not exactly a cause that’s easy to talk about,” Stuebing says. “I know that when kids come through here, they’ve experienced a real trauma, but I also know that they’re surrounded by great people.”
For example, a child who is a victim of abuse may have to testify in court, and the centre can sometimes facilitate giving testimony remotely. If the child must testify in person, centre representatives — both human and canine — can go with them. The centre has four dogs who’ve been trained to provide comfort to children and their caregivers in courthouses, helping to reduce stress.
Sarah Doolittle, the centre’s on-site courthouse manager, and her facility dog, Fletcher, received the Alberta Community Justice Award in 2022 for their work supporting young people through these difficult moments.
“The dogs help break down barriers,” says Stuebing. “There’s no judgment.”
Animals seem to understand when someone needs their help — and they’re eager to give it. AMA
(From top) The centre’s CEO, Emmy Stuebing. (Above) The Zebra Centre brings young victims of abuse together with support professionals in a safe and friendly environment. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ADAM BORMAN; COURTESY OF THE ZEBRA CENTRE (EMILY STEUBING)