Visiting Us
This section outlines key information for anyone visiting the facility, what to expect during your visit, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed. Choose the section that best suits you.
Children
Under 12 years old
Youth
Ages 12 to 18 years old
Parents & Caregivers
A family member or adult accompanying a child or youth
Professionals
Client service worker, counsellor, social or support worker, or Law enforcement officer
Children
We hope that this poster will give you a better understanding of what our space is like, as well as some of the people you will meet along the way!


Youth
This PDF will provide you with more information on the work we do, the agencies involved, how to access our services and what to expect when visiting. If you are visiting Oak CYAC and have more questions, please reach out to us!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about Oak Centre, or about your interview, we encourage you to contact us.Can I bring someone with me when I come to Oak Centre?
Yes. If you think that having someone there will help you, we encourage you to bring a safe person for support, like a family member, teacher, or counsellor. If you have questions about who to bring with you, call our Child and Youth Service Coordinator who can help you decide.
How long do interviews take?
Usually, interviews take 45-60 minutes, but you will probably be at Oak Centre for about 60-90 minutes. Once the interview is done, you’ll have a chance to talk to the interviewer about the next steps and ask questions.
Who will be interviewing me?
The interviewer may be a member of the RCMP (police) or a social worker. They are specially trained to carefully listen to youth and to follow your direction. You will never have to talk if you don’t want to, can ask for breaks from talking, and can stop the interview at any time. A different police officer or social worker will be watching and recording the interview from another room. The interview will be recorded on video.
Will there be other youth or families at Oak Centre
To respect your privacy, you will be the only client at Oak Centre during your appointment.
What type of help can I get from Oak Centre?
The Child and Youth Service Coordinator is an emotional support for you, and works with you to figure out what practical supports are most needed. If you choose to have us contact you after your first visit, we can continue to provide support as your journey progresses, either over the phone, by text, or in-person. If you choose, Oak Centre staff will also act as a contact with other agencies, making sure everyone involved are keeping your best interest at the center of the case.
As part of our victim assistance program, the Child and Youth Service Coordinator offers emotional support, information, and court updates to you and can attend court with you. The Child and Youth Service Coordinator is able to help prepare you for court, assist you in writing a Victim Impact Statement, and help you to access any service or program you need.
Parents & Caregivers
This PDF will provide you with more information on the work we do, the agencies involved, how to access our services and what to expect when visiting. If you are visiting Oak CYAC and want a more in-depth overview of the services, please reach out and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about Oak Centre, or about your interview, we encourage you to contact us.
When do I tell my child about the interview?
You know your child best, so use your own judgment to decide when is the best time to tell them about the interview. Below are some suggestions that could be helpful in making this decision:
- Younger children (ages 3-7): on the day itself or when you are on your way to Oak Centre
- Older children: the day before so they are not taken by surprise
What can I tell my child before the interview?
Do not tell your child what to say or what not to say. You can try something like:
– “I’m taking you to meet someone. Their job is to listen to kids.”
– “You can talk about anything.”
– “It’s okay and important to tell the truth.”
– “You are not in trouble.”
Can I watch the interview, or stay with my child while they’re being interviewed?
You can’t watch or be present in the interview, but if you are accompanying your child to Oak Centre, you will be near them at all times in case they need you. Your child will never have to talk if they don’t want to, and the interviewer will let them know that they can take breaks or stop the interview at any time.
How long do interviews take?
It depends on how long your child wants to talk. Usually, interviews take 45-60 minutes, but give yourself at least 90 minutes to be at Oak Centre so you can ask any questions and talk to the interviewer about the next steps once the interview is over.
How do I help my child after the interview?
After the interview it may be helpful to ask the interviewer or Oak Centre staff what you should be discussing with your child about their time at Oak Centre. If your child chooses to talk about the interview, just listen. Assure your child of your love and support, no matter what was said in the interview. For example, you could say:
– “I’m proud of you.”
– “What happened isn’t your fault.”
– “You’re not in any trouble.”
Who will be interviewing my child?
The interviewer may be a member of the RCMP (police) or a social worker. They are specially trained to carefully listen to children and to follow your child’s direction. Your child will never have to talk if they don’t want to, can ask for breaks from talking, and can stop the interview at any time. A different police officer or social worker will be watching and recording the interview from another room. The interview will be recorded on video.
Will there be other families at Oak Centre while we are there?
To respect your privacy, your family will be the only one at Oak Centre during your appointment.
Should I come earlier than my appointment time?
Please arrive at Oak Centre no more than 5 minutes before your appointment time. There may be another family scheduled at Oak Centre before you, and we would like to give everyone the most amount of privacy possible.
What type of support can my family get from Oak Centre?
The Child and Youth Service Coordinator is an emotional support for you and your child, and works with your family to figure out what practical supports are most needed. If you choose to have us contact you after your initial visit, we can continue to provide support as your journey progresses, either over the phone or in-person. If you choose, the Child and Youth Service Coordinator will also act as a contact with other agencies, making sure all the agencies involved are keeping your child’s best interest at the center of the case and that you receive information in a timely manner.
As part of our victim assistance program, the Child and Youth Service Coordinator offers emotional support, information, and court updates to your family, and can attend court with you. The Child and Youth Service Coordinator is able to help prepare your children for court, assist them in writing a Victim Impact Statement, and help them access programs such as Crime Victims Assistance Program and Victim Notification.
Can my family continue to get support from Oak Centre after we leave?
Yes, if you choose, you can get support from our Child and Youth Service Coordinator as long as necessary. Please let us know if you have any specific needs, and we’ll work with you to develop a plan. Oak Centre services are voluntary and Oak Centre staff will discuss this with you when you arrive.
How do I let Oak Centre staff know that my family’s needs have been met and that I don’t need any additional services?
The goal of the Oak Centre staff is to ensure your family has all the services that you require. Once you feel that you have what you need, please tell us. If anything changes, you are encouraged to contact us and we can discuss how to help.

Professionals
This PDF will provide you with more information on the work we do, the agencies involved, how to access our services and what to expect when visiting. If you are visiting Oak CYAC and have more questions, please reach out to us!