Quotes from the CAC Initiative recipients

Child Advocacy Centres’ provide a coordinated approach to addressing the needs of child and youth victims and/or witnesses in the criminal justice system, thereby minimizing system-induced trauma. The CACs/CYACs provide a single, child friendly setting for young victims or witnesses and their families seeking services. These projects aim to support these Centres to adapt their services to meet the diverse needs arising from the COVID 19 pandemic.

Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, Toronto

Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre will receive $108,825 in 2020-2021

“Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre is grateful to Justice Canada for recognizing and responding to the need for additional resources at this time. The COVID 19 pandemic has placed additional pressure on Child Advocacy Centres across the country as we reimagine and adapt our service delivery to meet the changing demands. The funding provided by Justice Canada will allow us to better respond to the needs of children and youth that have been victims of abuse and violence.”

Lindsay Jolie, Director of Operations, Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, Toronto

Child Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka, Orillia/Barrie

Child Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka will receive $146,500 in 2020-2021

“The Child Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka is truly grateful for the financial support from The Department of Justice Canada during these challenging times. We collectively recognize that children and youth have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with exposure to increased risk of violence, harm, physical and sexual abuse. This funding will enhance our organization’s capacity, during and post pandemic, to respond quickly and safely to the anticipated influx of child abuse investigations. With the goal to reduce barriers to accessing multidisciplinary, victim-centered services, in addition to improved recording technology, we can ensure that the social and emotional needs of victims will be met and their voices will be heard.”

Marg Schreurs, Interim Executive Director, Child Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka

Child Witness Centre of Waterloo Region

Child Witness Centre of Waterloo Region will receive $15,000 in 2020-2021

“Not all homes are safe during the pandemic. As Child and Youth Advocacy Centres continue to attempt to deliver the highest quality of services to those who continue to need them during these difficult times, we thank the Department of Justice for their foresight and leadership in providing much needed financial assistance that allows us all to deliver these vital services to children, youth and their families.”

David Morneau, Executive Director, Child Witness Centre of Waterloo Region

Windsor-Essex County Youth Advocacy Centre

Windsor-Essex County Youth Advocacy Centre will receive $48,611 in 2020-2021

“The Government of Canada has provided Child Advocacy Centers with partial funding and a venue enabling children and youth of trauma and abuse to access the support they need.”

Lynda Ware, President, Windsor-Essex County Youth Advocacy Centre

Koala Place Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, Cornwall

Koala place Child and Youth Advocacy Centre will receive $45,000 in 2020-2021

“Koala Place, Child and Youth Advocacy Centre is most grateful for the additional funds which will allow us to develop and implement additional, policies, practices and systems in response to the challenges presented by COVID 19. As a result, Koala Place continues to serve our community’s most vulnerable, our children and youth, providing a confidential, safe and neutral environment where they can share their stories of abuse and maltreatment.”

Chantal Prieur, Executive Director, Koala Place Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, Cornwall