Child Advocacy Centres/Child & Youth Advocacy Centres (CACs/CYACs) provide a co-ordinated, multidisciplinary approach in a safe, comfortable environment to address the needs of children, youth and their families.
The first CAC was established in 1985 in Huntsville, Alabama. Almost 40 years later, CACs are regarded as the leading practice in responding to child abuse cases. There are more than 900 CACs in the United States and CACs are operating in more than 20 countries worldwide.
In some jurisdictions, the model of service delivery is referred to as a Child Advocacy Centre (CAC), while in other locations the terminology is a Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC). For the purpose of this website, when referring to Canadian models, CYAC includes both terms.
There has been a significant increase in the number of CACs/CYACs across Canada, with over 40 centres open and others in various stages of development. Beginning in 2010, the Policy Centre for Victims Issues, Department of Justice Canada has provided support and funding to create new CACs/CYACs in Canada, which are transforming the system.
Canada is a geographically large country with an ethnically diverse population that lives in large crowded cities, mid-sized towns and remote communities. Larger cities benefit from more substantial social infrastructure and available resources than smaller towns. A variety of CAC/CYAC models exist in Canada to meet the needs of different communities, including virtual models. The age range of children and youth served also varies depending on the centre.
All Canadian CACs/CYACs that are open and in various stages of development are listed on the homepage. The CAC/CYAC Networks are also profiled.
The TOPICS & TRENDS section addresses current issues and emerging practices.
RESEARCH & RESOURCES on the website include research, documents, best practice guidelines, other relevant materials and videos, shared by CAC/CYAC colleagues.
PREVENTION & EDUCATION provides prevention information for children, their parents and professionals developed by CAC/CYAC colleagues.
TRAINING WEBINARS feature the National Webinar Training Series.
Presentations are featured under each year of the NATIONAL MEETINGS.
