Child Advocacy Centres/Child & Youth Advocacy Centres (CACs/CYACs) Association update.
Hello CAC/CYAC Colleagues,
As announced at the National Meetings of the National Network of CACs/CYACs in Ottawa in February, the work to develop a Canadian Association of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres is now officially underway, thanks to funding provided by the Department of Justice Canada! You may recall we have partnered with Association Management and Consulting Services (AMCES), based out of Ottawa, to lead the incorporation process and provide essential management and administrative support for the two years following its launch. As we mark one month since the inception of this collaboration, we’re excited to report that significant strides have already been made.
Firstly, we extend our gratitude to the newly formed Interim Governing Council for their dedication in steering this initiative forward. Their commitment to transparency means that you can expect regular updates to keep you informed of our progress and milestone achievements.
A few noteworthy updates to share with you:
Formation of the Interim Governing Council: We’re pleased to announce that the Interim Governing Council was officially established on April 12th. We extend our sincere thanks to Karen Orser, Brooke McLardy, and Lara Rooney for their contributions as the selection committee. The members of your Interim Governing Council include:
- Karen Orser (Co-chair) – Luna Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Calgary, AB)
- Leah Zille (Co-chair) – The Treehouse Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (Vancouver, BC)
- Brian Bratt – Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre (Niagara region, ON)
- Karen Chymy – Toba Centre for Children & Youth (Winnipeg, MB)
- Nathanael Hewitt – Safe Kids & Youth (SKY) Coordinated Response (Nelson, BC)
- Lindsay Jolie – Boost Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (Toronto, ON)
- Kathleen Jodouin – Victim Services of Nipissing District (Nipissing, ON
- Ingrid Pruneau – Services intégrés en abus et maltraitance (SIAM), (Quebec City, QC)
- Christina Schaffer – SeaStar Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (Halifax, NS)
Introduction of the AMCES Team: Partnering with AMCES has provided us with access to a wealth of expertise to drive this project forward. We’d like to spotlight a couple of the key people who are integral to our progress, and who you may cross paths/names with along the way:
- Georges Lozano, leading the Discovery phase as Project Manager
- Erika Brown, serving as the Advising Executive Director
- Nancy Barret, dedicated to managing our partnership
Stakeholder Engagement: Georges is underway with a consultation process which involves reaching out to a number of CYACs from across the country as well as other identified key stakeholders. This process aims to determine the most appropriate organizational structure for the association and identify strategies to effectively meet the evolving needs of its members. We will be sharing the recommendations that come about from this process later this spring.
Naming of the Association: While currently referred to as the “Canadian Association for Child and Youth Advocacy Centres” (CACYAC), rest assured this is only a working title. Under the guidance of AMCES, we’ll embark on a process to select a name that truly reflects the essence and significance of the association. Your input will be invaluable as we navigate this naming process. Stay tuned as more information comes your way as this process unfolds.
We’ve also attached an announcement detailing this project, which you’re welcome to share with your funders, stakeholders, and community as you see fit for your organization. Please reach out to us at any time if you have any comments/questions.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in this vital initiative. Together, we’re making strides to keep the path lit for child and youth advocacy centres across the country.
For additional information about the development of the assoication click here: CYAC Association_Release 10MAY2024
Warmly,
Karen & Leah
Co-chairs of the Interim Governing Council for the emerging Canadian Association of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres
Karen Orser | CEO
Luna Child & Youth Advocacy Centre
403-428-5410 (office) | 403-620-7622 (mobile) | korser@lunacentre.ca
Leah Zille | Executive Director
The Treehouse Vancouver Child & Youth Advocacy Centre
604-808-3809 (mobile) | leah@treehousevancouver.ca
We respectfully acknowledge that the Interim Governing Council of the emerging Canadian Association of Child & Youth Advocacy Centres represents CYACs serving children and youth on the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous peoples across Canada. We recognize and honor the stewardship, traditional knowledge, and enduring relationships of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples with the lands and waters. We are committed to reconciliation, respect, and partnership with Indigenous communities in our work towards a better future for all.
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.
