How does a
CYAC work?
A Child and Youth Advocacy Centre is a collaboration between law enforcement, child protection/child and family wellbeing, medical and mental health professionals, victim advocates and child court support workers centrally located in a child-friendly location.
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How CYAC Works
We work with law enforcement, child protection, medical and mental health professionals.
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The Impact
We get families the support they need and help kids get the protection they deserve.
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CYAC's
Vision and Mission Statement
Vision - To create a safe, compassionate, and culturally inclusive Durham Region, where every child and youth is supported, protected, and empowered through community collaboration and advocacy.
Mission - Partner with our community to support and empower children impacted by abuse through expert care, advocacy, education, and healing. We strive to be a trusted, compassionate leader in child abuse response, prevention, and healing. We promise a safe, culturally inclusive space where children, youth, and families feel heard, supported, and protected.
Our Process
You Are Always Heard And Always Believed.
No Judgement
We understand that kids and families all have unique situations and curcumstances that lead to breakdowns in communiation and trauma.
No Pressure
Your journey of healing will be managed at your own pace. Start the process by speaking with us and options to a better path will start to open up.
No Shame
There is no such thing as the perfect family or perfect life. We provide the solutions you need and the understanding you deserve, never judgment.
Donations help shape the future of our community.
Every dollar you give goes directly toward supporting children, youth, and families in Durham Region who need it most.
How much can you give?
A donation of $25 can provide:
Art supplies and comfort items for a child during their first visit to our centre — helping them feel safe and at ease.
Who We Work With
Our Community Partners
A Child and Youth Advocacy Centre is a collaboration between law enforcement, child protection/child and family wellbeing, medical and mental health professionals, victim advocates and child court support workers centrally located in a child-friendly location.
Child Protection
Durham Children's Aid Society has a legal mandate to protect and support the well-being of children and youth.
Law Enforcement
We work closely with Durham Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police to assist in optimizing our services.
Health
The DCYAC partners with Lakeridge Health to provide on-site, trauma-informed forensic exams and medical consultations in a safe environment.
Victim Services
Victim Services collaborates with the CYAC to provide immediate crisis intervention and ongoing emotional support to young victims and families.
Our Committment
Why Our Program is so Important
There is a growing need in our community to help children lead better lives. The CYAC program has helped thousands of children and people who are committed to child well-being.
7,436
Child and Youth victims of sexual abuse in Canada in 2021-22.
2,913
Victims of physical abuse that were served by Canadian CYAC's.
50
CYAC centres active or in development in Canada currently.
Types of Abuse
Child abuse endangers the development, security or survival of a child.
Sexual abuse entails the inappropriate exposure of a child to sexual contact, activities, or behaviors, including touching, intercourse, or exploitation by caregivers or those exploiting vulnerability. It encompasses technology-facilitated abuse, online luring, and non-contact forms.
Our MissionPhysical abuse involves the deliberate application of force to any part of a child's body, causing serious injuries. It can manifest as a single occurrence, a sequence of events, or a repeated pattern.
Our MissionEmotional abuse encompasses behaviors causing serious mental or emotional harm to a child, such as verbal assaults on self-worth, repeated humiliation or rejection. It includes exposure to domestic violence, severe home conflicts, forced isolation, restraint, or inducing frequent fear, and rarely occurs once.
Our MissionNeglect is any lack of care seriously harming a child's development or endangering them. Physical neglect involves failing to provide adequate nutrition, clothing, shelter, health care, and protection from harm. Emotional neglect denies affection and a sense of belonging.
Our Mission
Want to Know How You Can Help?
The Durham CYAC is able to help children, youth, and their non-offending caregivers because of our outstanding volunteers. Apply to be a volunteer today.
Become A Volunteer
