• About Us

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.

  • 2022

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    Published the BC Network of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres Practice Principles Manual

    More than 100 multidisciplinary professionals joined work teams, provided content and revisions to create a best practice manual for CYAC practitioners in BC. Building off the National Guidelines and ongoing network meetings, the manual consists of foundational elements of the CYAC model, guiding frameworks, and practical practice principles in the areas of Case Management, Interviewing Children and Youth, Health Services and Mental Health Services. This first edition will be added to in the coming years as CYACs continue to develop and create impact for children and youth in British Columbia.

  • 2022

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    Social Return on Investment Study

    The BC Network worked with MNP LLP to study and develop a report on the social and economic impact of CYACs in BC. This thorough evaluation found significant value in three areas: 1) Increased efficiency for BC’s systems including healthcare, justice, education, child protection and policing, 2) Improved quality of work for CYAC management and staff, MDT members, and partner agencies, and 3) Improved well-being and quality of life for children and their families. In 10 years, the CYAC model provides $5.54 of value for every $1 invested in the service. See here for the full report.

  • 2023

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    The BC Network Becomes a Registered Society

    Since 2018 the BC Network has been working towards an organizational structure that strongly support the province’s CYACs. While many members of the Network had been working from the side of their desk to ensure that the strategic plan items were progressing, it was clear that the Network required its own structure and resources.  In 2023 the Society attained Society status and in 2024 the first Executive Director was hired.

  • 2023

    Check Check

    Recommendation in the BC Budget Consultation Report

    The BC Network received its 5th recommendation from the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, in their report published August 2023. Recommendations 128 states “Provide ongoing, sustainable operational funding to child and youth advocacy centres in the province.” The BC Network thanks for the Committee for their work and for their recognition of the importance of collaborative service to children and youth who have experienced abuse and violence.

  • 2023

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    Inaugural Provincial CYAC Conference

    The BC Network of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres Society held an inaugural provincial conference October 18-19, 2023 in Kelowna. Together for Kids: Celebrating our Growth and Planning for the Future brought together 119 multidisciplinary professionals from the twelve child and youth advocacy centres in BC. Topics were focused on areas critical to the ongoing work of the CYACs and on their continued development including Truth & Reconciliation, Policing practices, Child Protection integration in CYACs, and services specifically for mature minor youth.

  • 2024

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    Together for Kids: Second Annual Conference

    The BC Network of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres Society held the second annual provincial conference September 25-26, 2024 in Victoria at The Grand Pacific Hotel. Together for Kids: Strengthening our Collective Response brought together 127 multidisciplinary professionals from eleven operational and in-development child and youth advocacy centres in BC. Participants were from policing, child protection, Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies, victim services, mental health, education, and CYAC operations. This created a room with diverse perspectives and a common goal of enhancing service to children and youth who have experienced abuse and violence.

  • 2025

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    Transformative Reconciliation Program

    In January 2025 the BC Network embarked on a Transformative Reconciliation Program. This 12-month program, led by Indigenous Scholar Dr. Dustin Louie, brings together 40 multidisciplinary professionals from all operational CYACs in BC. After an in-person kick-off session, Dr. Louie is guiding the cohort through online education sessions on decolonization, and small group witnessing sessions where the CYAC professionals engage in the practice oral storytelling and witnessing of experience. Additionally, each CYAC is working on an incremental decolonization practice, bringing to life the learnings of the program.

Vision

A strong, just, safe, supportive community for children and youth.

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.

Values

  • Child and Youth Centred
  • Strength-based Approach
  • Foster Trust, Integrity, and Respect
  • Open and Inclusive
  • Honour Unique Indigenous Cultures
  • Believe Diversity is a Strength