The Gatehouse® Investigation and Support Program (GISP)
The Investigation and Support Program is intended to aid children and their families during what can be one of the most difficult events in their lives. This program is designed to reduce trauma in the aftermath of child abuse, supporting children, families and youth during and after police investigations.
- A child-friendly investigation site is provided where police officers and child welfare personnel can interview children and family members in an independently managed, comfortable and non-threatening environment.
- Site is used by Police officers investigating child abuse or sexual assaults, child welfare workers, and child abuse treatment professionals.
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week access for investigations.
- If booking before 9am or after 5pm investigation teams must pick up the key and security code from 22 Division (3699 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON , M9A 1A2; Phone: 416-808-2200).
- Investigations are booked on our new on-line system. Registration is required to access our online booking system.
- Testimonials are recorded using state-of-the-art recording facilities that are separated from the child-friendly interview room.
- Follow-up support is provided to family members to minimize stress which includes telephone support, information and referrals to other agencies.
Attention Police Officers and Child Welfare workers, not yet signed up as Investigator? Register here! Registering as an investigator gives you access to our online booking system where you can view our online calendar for availability and request investigations completely online. Click here to register. This program is used by police personnel investigating child sexual abuse or sexual assaults, child welfare workers, and child abuse treatment professionals and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What happens when children and their families arrive at The Gatehouse® for an Interview?
Answer: Children, their families, police officers and child welfare representatives will be greeted by our friendly staff and invited into our home-like atmosphere. Children are allowed water, before the investigation.
Waiting family members and the investigation team are offered tea, coffee, hot chocolate or water. Our Investigation and Adult Support Coordinator will provide support and information forthe waiting family members. The family or guardian will have the option of follow-up support provided by The Gatehouse®, which may involve consultation and referrals. All caregivers are given our Gatehouse® brochure that explains the investigative process.Families are encouraged to call The Gatehouse® with any concerns or questions they may have with regard to their child and the investigation process.
When the interview is completed, the child is offered cookies, treats and juice. The child is also offered a handmade child-size quilt or a teddy bear, which has been generously donated by community members and corporate donors.
Question: Why record testimony?
Answer: Despite the prevalence of child abuse, this crime remains to be the most difficult to prosecute, since there is rarely a witness or medical evidence, and the children are usually of an age where testifying in court is extremely difficult. Therefore, children deserve the most comfortable setting possible in which to tell their story. Recorded testimony is seen to be the best form of evidence, because it reduces the number of times that a child will have to repeat their story, and it means that children will have to testify less frequently in a court room setting.
Question: Why use The Gatehouse for child abuse investigations?
Answer: The Gatehouse is here to support everyone involved in the investigation process including the children, youth, adults, families, and the investigation team. We encourage the police and child protection workers to conduct child abuse-related interviews in a child-friendly space like ours because we:
• Are accessible 24hours, 7 days a week
• Are easily accessible from major highways
• Are equipped with a state-of-the-art video recording system in theInvestigation room("A Best Practice Site")
• Provide a comfortable, home-like atmosphere that assists children and families in feeling supported during a very difficult time
• Have a fully equipped kitchen with coffee, tea, juice and snacks for investigative teams and families
• Have a fully equipped living room with television, painting and colouring, toys and books for families while they wait
• Have on-site staff that can support families, make referrals and consult with investigation teams
• Provide post-interview support, trauma assessments, etc.
Question: Does The Gatehouse® provide consultations for social service workers in the community?
Answer: Yes. Occasionally therapists working with a client will uncover minimized memories of childhood abuse. This discovery of information may not be the therapist's area of expertise and since she/he has developed a relationship with the client, it could be counter-productive to refer the client out.
Contact The Gatehouse® at (416) 255-5900.
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