Our Story
Child and Youth Advocacy Centres began emerging in Canada in 2012. By 2016, there were nine independent child and youth centres operating or in development in communities across British Columbia. With similar visions and mandates, these centres recognized that efficiencies could be had and impact would be strengthened by coming together to share knowledge, build capacity, and enhance service delivery. Through dedicated, multi-year funding by the Department of Justice Canada’s Victims Fund, the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General have been working with the CYACs in the province to help facilitate the establishment of the BC Network of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres.
We believe that we are stronger together.
Key Accomplishments
2017
Establishment of the Network Steering Committee to collaboratively define and bring to life a vision, mission, and values statement for the Network
Responsible for the strategic oversight of the network and to lead the implementation of its core priorities, this committee comprises a representative from each of the CYACs in the province (operational and emerging) and a representative from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
2018
2018 – Launch of the BC Network of CYACs and establishment of a three-year strategic plan
2018 brought together over 100 leaders and practice experts from across the province to celebrate the launch of the network and to begin a dialogue on how to strengthen collaborative approaches to child abuse responses across the province. Read about the strategic priorities of the BC Network of CYACs here.
2019
Development of trauma-informed and culturally appropriate practice guidelines for CYAC practitioners across BC
Following consultations with CYAC practitioners across the province in 2017 and 2018, the areas of ‘case management’ and ‘interviewing child and youth victims’ have been identified as priorities for the development of practice principles to support CYACs in enhancing coordinated responses. To facilitate this work, two thematic Work Teams have been established, and a Provincial Practices Advisory Team – comprising leadership from each of the sectors participating in CYACs (including the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Ministry of Children and Family Development, RCMP “E” Division, municipal police departments, and pediatric health) – is offering guidance and advice into this process.
Mission
We collaborate to provide leadership for a strong, sustainable network of CYACs in BC to ensure a coordinated, trauma-informed, culturally-safe response to all forms of violence against children and youth.
