About Us
Our Mission
The mission of our lab is to improve the identification of and response to instances of child maltreatment while improving the quality of child disclosures. The research conducted at our lab has illuminated how adults' questioning methods can influence children's disclosure of maltreatment and related adversities, such as pain. Similarly, the labs investigation into the development of tattling and lie telling behaviours suggests that such behaviours may influence the reporting of maltreatment and the quality of child testimonies.
Research Topics
Sibling & Peer Disclosures
This project, which takes place online over Microsoft Teams, investigates how children's (8 to 11 years old) moral development is influenced by their relationships with siblings and/or peers. To participate in this study, please click here to sign up.
Forensic Interview Practices
Forensic interviewing techniques and tools for use with children are constantly being evaluated to enhance interviews. This project is surveying forensic interviewers' practice and perception of note-taking and wait-time. Are you a professional who conducts forensic interviews with children? We would love your input. Please send us an email for the survey.
The Pain Project
Despite being at an increased risk of experiencing pain, research has found that children with a history of maltreatment may be more likely to have their pain unrecognized. The Pain Project aims to investigate healthcare professionals' knowledge of pediatric pain assessment and whether they are tailored for children with a history of maltreatment.
Tattling
Tattling is a common truth-telling behaviour in early childhood. This study aims to understand how tattling develops in the context of classrooms and daycare and elementary school educators' experiences with tattling.
Questioning Children in Canadian Courts
In legal contexts, children should be asked age-appropriate and open-ended questions. However, research has found that lawyers frequently deviate from using such questions when talking to children in court, particularly in the cases of children and adolescents who have been human trafficked. This project aims to investigate how children/adolescents who have been trafficked are questioned in Canadian courts in collaboration with CCIRT.
Interviewing Children During COVID-19
How has COVID-19 influenced how workers of child abuse interact with children and families? What are their perceptions of barriers and opportunities in aligning their work practices with public health guidelines? What are their concerns about their effectiveness in their roles and their personal well-being? This project aims to how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected health and social services workers.