July 31, 2015 – London, ON – Department of Justice.
Today, Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women and MP for London North Centre, on behalf of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Peter MacKay, announced $50,025 in funding to support a needs assessment and feasibility study regarding the opening of a child and youth advocacy centre (CYAC) in London-Middlesex Region, Ontario.
The funding is being provided to the London Family Court Clinic to determine if the London-Middlesex Region would benefit from a CYAC. They will examine the gaps in the delivery of services to children and youth who are victims or witnesses of maltreatment and provide recommendations to ensure well-coordinated service delivery. These efforts will lead to more positive outcomes for children, families and the community.
Child advocacy centres (CACs) and CYACs help child and youth victims and their families navigate the criminal justice system. They provide a safe child- and youth-friendly environment where a coordinated team of professionals works to meet the specific needs of each person. The work of a multidisciplinary team in a CYAC or a CAC can greatly reduce the emotional and mental harm to child and youth victims involved in the criminal justice system.
In Economic Action Plan 2015, the Government committed to provide additional funding to CACs and CYACs. Starting in 2016-17, the Government will provide $5.25 million over four years, and $2.1 million on an annual basis thereafter, to make the support and services provided by CACs and CYACs more accessible in communities across the country.
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