A special milestone has been reached in our community! The Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) of Waterloo Region has operated for 10 years. Check out photos from the anniversary celebration! 📸
On Wednesday, June 3, representatives from the CYAC’s core partners – Child Witness Centre (CWC), Family & Children’s Services (FACS) of the Waterloo Region, and Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) – were delighted to host an anniversary event held at Victoria Park Pavilion in Kitchener. We welcomed many wonderful partners, supporters, allies, board members, past staff, and family members.
The festivities kicked off with a delicious BBQ dinner that was generously prepared and gifted by ChefD, in showing his support for the work done at the CYAC to help local kids and families. Meaningful messages were then shared by Matt Demarte (Sergeant at WRPS & former CWC board member), Laura Muirhead (former CWC Executive Director & ongoing supporter), and Robin Heald (CWC Executive Director).
Much gratitude was expressed for the many supporters and contributors – including community leaders, funders, donors, and volunteers – who have made the centre successful. The CYAC partners were also honoured to receive recognition certificates from Karen Redman (Regional Chair) on behalf of Region of Waterloo and Wendy Creighton (Office Manager) on behalf of Kelly DeRidder (MP for Kitchener Centre).
What is the CYAC?
The CYAC of Waterloo Region is a child and youth-friendly hub where allegations of abuse and crime are investigated – and the children and youth affected, along with their families, receive wraparound, trauma-informed support. This collaborative helps the brave young people who come forward to have a voice – while fostering healing, hope, and wellbeing.
The centre opened on May 2, 2016, initially working at Waterloo Regional Police North Division. In December 2016, the co-located multidisciplinary team moved to the child and youth friendly space at 400 Queen Street South, Kitchener (inside Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health’s building). During the first 10 years, at least 5,650 investigations took place, involving over 8,800 children and youth. With its success, the collaboration has grown with many other partners offering their services as well.
The first similar centre was established in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1985. Today, CYACs are considered the best practice model in handling cases of abuse and crime towards children. There has been a significant increase in the number of CYACs across Canada, with over 40 centres now open or in various stages of development.
Those involved with launching and operating the CYAC of Waterloo Region are very proud of how it has performed and evolved. Matt Demarte shared at the celebration he believes it’s one of the best in Ontario because of the strong multidisciplinary team’s commitment to cohesion and excellence. At Child Witness Centre, we provide oversight of the CYAC, while also offering services through our Child & Youth Advocate Program there to support young victims and witnesses, and their families.
Why the CYAC Matters
Following a report of suspected child abuse to either FACS or WRPS, these organizations will refer the child or youth, and their family, to the CYAC for tailored and culturally responsive support through the investigation process. This approach reduces the number of times a child or youth must tell their story, and helps ensure responses are timely, coordinated, and focused on the young person’s wellbeing. They are supported in a safe and welcoming environment, which promotes safety, healing, and justice through collaboration, compassion, and evidence-based practice.
Perhaps Laura Muirhead summed it up best why the CYAC holds so much value at the event. She shared how it was simply not the norm 10 years ago to have a great level of collaboration between the organizations responding to child abuse and crime in our community. But because of the bold steps taken to launch the centre, and the exceptional communication and partnership that now exists, the investigation process feels much easier and natural. And those who benefit the most from this vast improvement are the kids and caregivers on difficult journeys.
Robin Heald also emphasized the value she sees in this exceptional partnership. As someone who experienced abuse as a child and journeying through the justice system, she knows firsthand there is a stark difference. She recalled having to share her story about what happened while sitting in a dark police office with no windows and cigarettes burning. It was neither sensitive to a child’s needs or trauma informed. Today, the process keeps getting better, including the use of facility dogs, like Brady who was recently joined Child Witness Centre’s team to provide additional comfort. He’s the first justice facility dog to provide support at the CYAC of Waterloo Region.
Much Gratitude and Hope
It’s difficult to fathom how thousands of young people and families have been impacted at the CYAC over the past decade! Statistics show when young victims receive support when needed most, their life trajectory dramatically improves from the increased likelihood of negative outcomes to positive ones.
Our entire community is safer and stronger because of this best practice model. Together, we can help stop the perpetual cycle of hurt and harm to create a huge positive ripple effect. There is a lot of optimism and excitement about what the next 10 years have in store!
Learn more about the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre of Waterloo Region.