A duo dedicated to serving children and youths being supported at Marie-Vincent: Dr. Étienne Archambault and nurse Vanessa Dubé
At Marie-Vincent, every child victim of sexual violence receives individual and caring attention. Embodying this commitment are Dr. Étienne Archambault, a pediatrician specialized in child abuse, and Vanessa Dubé, an experienced clinical nurse. Together, they work to provide a comprehensive health assessment of our young clients.
This medical service, available in collaboration with CHU Ste-Justine, is intended to meet the overall health needs of children and youths. Taking a trauma-sensitive approach, it provides a holistic and reassuring portrait of their physical, mental and sexual health, and guides referrals to specialized professionals as required.
A child-centered, global approach
Each consultation at Marie-Vincent is designed to meet a child’s specific needs. “We start by asking the child what they need. Nothing is imposed on them. Everything is done at their pace,” explains Vanessa Dubé. This model, based on the Trauma Informed Method of Engagement (TIME), gives the young patient controls over the intervention process, which fosters a climate of trust and security.
The assessment goes well beyond the trauma, however, to include a comprehensive physical, mental and behavioural checkup. “Some 50% of children we see have additional needs, such as eating disorders and developmental issues,” adds Dr. Archambault. “Our role is to address those needs in order to offer them a brighter future.”
The benefits of an integrated team
Working at Marie-Vincent means benefiting from a unique collaboration between therapists, clinicians, nurses and doctors. This synergy is channelled into support services tailored to each child and a complete, structured follow-up. “We know that when a child is cared for here, their progress will be supported by a comprehensive and coordinated team,” says Dubé.
Exchanges between clinicians also strengthens the bond of trust with young patients. Says Archambault, “The children often mention their therapist, which shows how important an integrated follow-up is in ensuring their overall wellbeing.”
A process driven by altruism
In her 13 years as a nurse, Vanessa Dubé has developed expertise in eating disorders and child abuse. For the last eight years, she has collaborated with the social pediatric team at CHU Saint-Justine, two of those with the Marie-Vincent team. “I’m motivated by seeing the direct impact our interventions have on the development and security of children and youths. Our role is to ensure that no youngsters fall through the cracks.”
Dr. Archambault, for his part, started his career in general pediatrics before choosing to specialize in child abuse. “Child victims are extremely vulnerable,” he says. “They need equitable care regardless of their socioeconomic background. This is essential if we are to break the inter-generational cycle of abuse.”
A time-tested model
The two professionals dream of a world where every child has access to needs-based services through the mobilization of various complementary areas of expertise. “The strength of Marie-Vincent lies in its integrated, collaborative approach that prioritizes needs in every intervention. Working with other, equally engaged teams allows us not only to provide a comprehensive, tailored treatment plan, but also to have a real impact on the life trajectory of children and youths. Over time, this approach has demonstrated its effectiveness and tangible impact in transforming the lives of young people and their families,” says Archambault. For her part, Dubé hopes to see “a society that prevents any child from being left behind and ensures they receive optimal care, from the start of an intervention until adulthood, if need be.”
The work of Archambault and Dubé illustrates the extent to which integrated, personalized care can change lives. The duo’s daily dedication reflects the Marie-Vincent mission, which is to shape a brighter future for young victims of sexual violence.
The Marie-Vincent model, founded on the pillars of collaboration and integrated services, is recognized for its effectiveness but requires constant financial and human resources.
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