The CYAC Model
Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (CYACs) are collaborative services designed to provide a coordinated response to child abuse and crimes against children and youth.
Children and youth are supported to share their story with specially trained police and social workers while being supported by victim services professionals.
CYACs connect children, youth and their families to services designed to meet their unique needs, and assist them to navigate any system they may encounter such as medical, criminal justice, and child protection.
Learn more about the CYAC model in 4 minutes:
Types of Services CYACs Provide
Forensic Child Interviews
Safety Planning
Victim Support
Integrated Service Approach
Advocacy for Children
Trauma Therapy
Court Prep & Accompaniment
Support Referrals
Health Support
The CYAC Difference
Before CYACs
After CYACs
Long Term Health & Development Outcomes with a CYAC Approach
- Improved physical health outcomes
- Improved mental health outcomes
- More positive social outcomes
- Improved educational outcomes
- Improved economic well-being and self-sufficiency
Service Delivery Improvements with a CYAC Approach
- Improved effectiveness and quality of service delivery in responding to child abuse cases
- Professionals experienced increased support for their work within their multi-disciplinary teams and less burn out
- Child and youth victims of crime are connected to enhanced victims service support including advocacy and navigation leading to a more positive view of the criminal justice system
- Reduced long-term impacts and costs of child abuse for children, families, and communities