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The speakers listed below are available for speaking engagements. To request a speaker, please phone us at 519-744-0904; fax us at 519- 744-5379 or email the agency.
Click here for information on topics and intended audiences also listed on this page.
• Jo-Anne Hughes, Child Witness Program Co-ordinator
Jo-Anne has devoted her career to the children of our community. In 1991, she helped lead the initiative to expand the agency's services to include a Child Witness Program for sexually abused children and youth who were required to appear as witnesses in court. Her knowledge of the justice system and her skill in working with traumatized children and families is exceptional. Jo-Anne is sought out for opinion and advice and has played a valuable role in advocating on behalf of children. Her caring for child victims and witnesses and their families has been demonstrated daily for two decades.
• Laura Cook, Child Witness Program Caseworker
Laura is a Resurrection CSS and University of Waterloo graduate (Sociology and Legal Studies). She joined the Child Witness Centre in 2000 and providing child victims and witnesses with support and assistance through each stage of the court process; educating them on court proceedings and the role of a witness; accompanying them into the courtroom; providing families with updates on the progress of the case; explaining the verdict; and assisting with Victim Impact Statements if required.
• Linda Mark, Resource Development Co-ordinator
A Bluevale Collegiate and University of Toronto graduate, a member of Canada's swim team, and formerly with the Research Institute at the Hospital for Sick Children, Linda now leads the effort to build financial support for, and community awareness of, the Child Witness Centre.
• Jack Reynolds, Executive Director of the Child Witness Centre
After a career in senior management with Clarica, Jack joined the Child Witness Centre in 2002. He is accountable to the Board of Directors for leading the work of the agency, and can offer interesting insights into the challenges of managing a charitable agency and the similarities and differences relative to the corporate sector.
TOPICS AND INTENDED AUDIENCES
• Children Testifying in Court
(of interest to service clubs, teachers and students)
Most people haven't had to think about the reality of a young child testifying in court, in some cases about a matter involving another member of their family. This presentation provides insight on how charges come to be laid; what the resulting court experience looks like through the eyes of a child; how the police, judges and lawyers carry out their role with children involved; the duration and flow of a court case and what happens in between court appearances; the impact that court experience has on children; and the current state of Canada's laws impacting the treatment of children in court.
• The Child Witness Centre
(of interest to service clubs and teachers)
Waterloo Region Police and the Crown Attorney's office cite the Child Witness Centre as an agency which plays a unique and valuable role. How and when did the agency get started. What services does it provide and how has that changed over the years. How do the services benefit children and families. What number of children go to court each year as victims and witnesses, what age, and what circumstances bring them there. What happens in those communities not having such an organization. What is the role of government, and what should it be.
• Trends Impacting Fundraising for Charitable Organizations (of interest to service clubs)
The Canadian Council on Social Development recently completed a study on the changing funding landscape in Canada and how these changes are eroding the financial capacity of not-for-profit and volunteer organizations. This is useful information for those making and receiving donations. We'll share the results of the study and comment on its conclusions.
• Governance Challenges in the Not-For-Profit Sector (of interest to service clubs)
Having worked directly with Boards in the corporate and not-for-profit sector, Jack shares his personal experience on issues that both sectors face-eg. the role and authority of the Board and Board Committees, director recruitment and training strategies, effective board-staff relations; strategy and policy development; evaluating Board performance, and effective control, monitoring and oversight of operations by the Board.
• Child Abuse - Train the Trainer (of interest to teachers)
Very sadly, there is a steady stream of news items involving the assault of children as charges are laid and cases proceed through the courts. This presentation provides insight into the nature and extent of child abuse; the ways in which abuse comes to light; how frequently it is occurring in our community; and the community organizations there to help. We'll raise and help answer some tough questions about child abuse through discussion of an actual case study. We'll also provide guidance that parents and teachers need through a series of 'what if' questions which can help prevent or detect abuse.
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