Child Witness Centre’s enhanced trauma-informed wraparound support program provides specialized support to children, youth, and caregivers navigating the impacts of crime, abuse, and violence. In 2025–2026, the program supported 164 young victims and 130 caregivers in Guelph and Wellington County through the justice process! Through compassionate advocacy, emotional support, court preparation, crisis intervention, and connections to community services, children and youth were helped to feel safe, heard, and empowered.
Funding from a 2025 Community Grant supported immediate access to trauma-informed care for children, youth, and families during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Individualized support included emotional regulation strategies, brief counselling, safety planning, referrals to community resources, and connections to mental health and cultural supports. The results were significant, with 87% of children and youth showing meaningful growth in social-emotional skills, 84% experiencing improved mental health and wellbeing, and 88% reporting stronger social support and reduced isolation. Incredibly, over the past year Child Witness Centre was able to offer their services without any waitlists! This major achievement meant they could be helping families access support right away and when they needed it most!
One client shared, “My caseworker helped me feel comfortable and knowledgeable throughout, She answered every question I had, no matter what it was. I believe every child who is a victim/witness to a crime should have access to this program.”
The organization’s accredited facility dogs, Monet and Baker, play an important role in helping children feel safe and supported throughout the judicial process. Monet (pictured above), the first accredited facility dog to work in Waterloo Region’s criminal justice system, is retiring after years of supporting young victims and witnesses of crime. Baker (pictured below) has recently joined the team and will continue this important work, providing comfort, reducing anxiety, and helping create a positive and healing environment for children, youth, and their families.
The impact of this program extends far beyond the justice process. By intervening early and surrounding children and families with trusted support, the program helps reduce the long-term impacts of trauma while building resilience, confidence, and hope. The program’s ability to provide immediate access to care and maintain strong outcomes demonstrates the vital role it plays in helping young people heal, recover, and thrive.
Child Witness Centre has more than 40 years of experience supporting children and youth who are victims or witnesses of crime and abuse. Through strong partnerships with police services, the Crown Attorney’s Office, community agencies, and local organizations, Child Witness Centre delivers coordinated, trauma-informed care that reduces barriers and strengthens access to services.
