A new resource for children and youth has officially opened in Durham Region, it was announced in Oshawa yesterday.
Led by Victim Services of Durham Region, the center was developed in partnership with more than 30 diverse community agencies. On-site multi-disciplinary partners include Durham Regional Police, Dnaagdawenmag Biinnoojiiyag Child and Family Services and Durham Children’s Aid Society and Victim Services.
The center is located inside Durham Community Health Center with the program also being supported by numerous community-based organizations and health partners, such as Lakeridge Health and the Ontario Provincial Police.
The Durham Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) is providing coordinated, trauma-informed support to children and youth who have experienced severe abuse and/or violence, offering a safe and welcoming space where healing can begin, said a statement issued on the occasion.
It said the CYAC brings together law enforcement, child protection, child and family wellbeing, medical and mental health experts almost all under one roof to reduce the trauma of navigating multiple systems. The centre is designed to reduce the number of times a child has to tell their story of abuse and streamline support services while prioritizing the emotional well being of children and youth.
“The centre is about healing, justice, and hope. We’re proud to offer a space where children can feel safe, heard, and supported.” said Krista MacNeil, Executive Director of VSDR.
Why Durham Needs a CYAC
Child abuse remains a serious concern across Canada. 60% per cent of Canadian youth report experiencing child maltreatment before the age of 15. Reports of online sexual exploitation has nearly tripled since 2014. VSDR reports that an increase of 36 per cent of youth victim stats this past year.
The Durham CYAC will facilitate joint investigations at the CYAC in a child-friendly environment. Both the child/youth and caregiver will receive support from a child advocate who is there to walk alongside to ensure the child is at the centre of the care.
The child advocate will support the child and caregiver to get connected to medical and mental health care as required through warm transfer and community partnership.
“We have over 30 service agencies across Durham Region on board with supporting the centre,” says Stacey Beaveridge CYAC Clinical Director.
VSDR has recently secured new funding to integrate the Child Victim Witness Program into the CYAC. Through this initiative, a dedicated Child Victim Witness Worker will provide ongoing support to children and youth throughout the legal process – from the initial statement to the conclusion of the court proceedings.
Remote Testimony
Over the coming year, CYAC will also explore options for enabling remote testimony. This approach aims to reduce the emotional stress children and youth may experience by avoiding direct contact with the accused in a courtroom setting.
The centre is part of a global network. In the United States there are over 900 centres open and in Canada there are almost 50 centres in operation or close to opening. The CYAC model is being described as a best practice model for treating child abuse and shows significant social return on investment, with the BC Network of CYACs showing that for every dollar spent on CYACs it yields more than five dollar return on investment.
Community Involvement Encouraged
Local residents are invited to support the CYAC through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness. The centre’s success depends on strong community partnerships and ongoing public engagement. For more information or to get involved, visit www.durhamcyac.ca.
The announcement, which took place at Durham Community Health Center is Oshawa was attended by various community leaders and officials (see image above) including Ryan Turnbull, Member of Parliament for Whitby, Member f Provincial Parliament Lorne Coe, Mayor of Whitby Elizabeth Roy, Regional Chair John Henry, Chief of Police Peter Moreira, Krista MacNeil, Executive Director for Victim Services and numerous community partners and supporters. The event opened with a smudging ceremony and drumming by Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services and a prayer by Susan Byrne of Victim Services of Durham Region.