Federal Department of Justice recognizes Kelowna RCMP officer for outstanding work with youth

A Kelowna RCMP officer was recently recognized by the Federal Department of Justice for excellence in Victim Centered Policing.

Constable Renee Brand, a specialized Child Forensic Interviewer with the Child Abuse Unit at the Child Advocacy Centre (CAC) is being honoured for her outstanding work in supporting vulnerable youth in the regional area of Kelowna.

The CAC, has been responding to cases of child abuse in the region since Jan. 2020. They house a unique team of specialists from partnering agencies including Police, Child Protection, Victim Services, Child Advocates, Indigenous Liaisons and Healthcare.

Cst. Brand has been onsite at CAC specializing in the interviewing of child victims under the age of 10 and the investigations surrounding these interviews.

“The wins in this work don’t always come from the criminal justice outcomes,” explains Ginny Becker, Executive Director of the CAC.

“For us the wins come from the children themselves, when we create an opportunity for them to unburden themselves, to speak their truth in an environment where they feel upheld, supported and safe, that’s a win. By doing that we create an opportunity for them to begin a journey towards wellness and healing.”

Becker continued: “Constable Brand being recognized at this level is a profound testament to what this collaborative child advocacy model makes possible. Through partnership and teamwork, we achieve a place where the victims really are held at the center of things.”

The child advocacy model is not a new idea, in fact, there are over forty similar centers operating across the country, including eight in BC alone.

Each center is unique and operates uniquely but collectively they are the emerging best practice in child-centric, trauma-informed care of children impacted by abuse and neglect.

“There has been a significant culture change within policing since the inception of Child Advocacy Centers throughout the country, it is energizing to be a part of a collaborative team that truly focuses on a Victim Centered approach,” states Inspector Beth McAndie, Investigative Services Officer with Kelowna RCMP.

“I see the work being done within the Kelowna CAC and it inspires me to continue working with our partners to not only grow within our community but to push for change both provincially and nationally in relation to policing best practices in relation to Child Advocacy.”

As for Cst. Brand, her important work with the CAC hasn't gone unnoticed as she's been named the sole recipient across Canada to be honoured in the 3rd annual instance of this award.

Becker added: “We could not be more proud of Constable Brand and the amazing work that she does to support children impacted by abuse and violence in our community.”

This acknowledgement comes just as Victims of Crime Week kicks off across the country.

Victims of Crime Week, running from May 16 to 20, is set on raising national awareness about the issues victims and survivors of crime face, as well as offering recognition to the criminal justice professionals who assist these victims on a daily basis.