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Donation to Big Bear CYAC are always needed and very appreciated to support on-going operational/programming – Use link below or contact Big Bear CYAC office at 778-470-8888 for more information on our donation Bear Paw plaques displayed within the centre.

 

Exciting News! Soon you’ll see this van driving around Kamloops! Plus 5% of revenue generated by that van will be going to Big Bear CYAC for the entire 2024 year! Thanks Fox Plumbing & Heating…and thank you so much community for all your votes so this can happen for our centre!!!

Click here to make a direct donation to Big Bear CYAC using the CanadaHelps link!
THANK YOU for supporting Big Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre!
CLICK here to see our Big Bear Documentary!

Children and youth who have experienced maltreatment undergo additional challenges of now having to be involved in the criminal justice system. In many cases, this involvement is extremely traumatic for the child/youth and their families with having to travel to several places that can be quite intimidating (i.e: Police Station, Child protection offices, Hospital & Emergency services, Court). Big Bear CYAC has been developed to address these challenges by coordinating the response in child maltreatment investigations and creating one safe location where all the professionals come to the child and not the other way around! Support and advocacy is the priority! Big Bear CYAC also works to connect children/youth and their families with the right healing and support services that will fit with their needs and cultural well being.

Big Bear CYAC is like every non-profit society where donations are greatly needed an appreciated.

A Community Working Together for a Better Outcome for Everyone!

Big Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre.

(Kamloops and Region)

BIG BEAR CYAC’S MISSION

Big Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre development was guided by:

• Our Vision – To have a community where all children & youth are respected and heard and maltreatment is not tolerated.

• Our Mission – To provide a collaborative response to child maltreatment through advocacy, intervention and continued support in a child-friendly environment.

 

The photos with Big Bear were kindly provided by two wonderful youth in Kamloops: Miranda Hrycewich and Ericka Campbell. The beautiful Big Bear artwork has been created by our amazing artist: Meg O’riordan

 

Thank you ladies for sharing your talent with Big Bear!!!

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Support & Services

BIG BEAR CYAC Supports & Services: 

  • Collaborate the response to child abuse investigations (with Law Enforcement, Child Protection & Interior Health (Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect Clinic (SCAN clinic) & making the family a part of this team! – TOGETHER…A BETTER OUTCOME FOR EVERYONE !
  • Multi-disciplinary team planning (involving Law Enforcement, Child Protection, Interior Health, child forensic interviewing specialist, mental health expert and trauma expert)
  • Helping to create a prepared and tailored child forensic interview experience in a welcoming, child-friendly and culturally-safe space!
  • Family Advocate Services – Provides continual support, advocacy and shares information with the child/youth/family from the onset of the investigation. For example, the advocate supports the child/youth/family during the child forensic interview and medical evaluations that are conducted under the Big Bear roof. The advocate provides continual follow up services to help decrease barriers and enhance connection to appropriate services based on each client’s unique set of needs to promote long-term healing and wellness!
  • Mental Health and Wellness support – Out Mental Health & Wellness Assessment Team helps to learn what children/youth/families need in order to promote long-term healing.
  • REFERRALS to Big Bear CYAC are through Law Enforcement, Child Protection (MCFD, DAA), Interior Health medical practitioners & the Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect Clinic)

If you or you suspect that someone who is under the age of 19 is being harmed:

  • If in immediate danger call 9-1-1.
  • Children & Youth Hotline 250-310-1234
  • If the child/youth is not in immediate danger but you have reason to believe the occurrence of abuse or neglect – call the Ministry for Children and Family Development: 1-800-663-9122, toll-free (24 hours a day).

Having the courage to speak up is not always easy. Reporting abuse on a minor is both a moral and legal responsibility.

As a community, let’s protect each other—especially those who cannot protect themselves. Saying something is always the right decision.

More information on child abuse and support on reporting child abuse and neglect feel free to connect with Big Bear CYAC or go to:

(*Click each to go to their website)

Child Abuse is Wrong: What Can I Do?

What is a Child & Youth Advocacy Centre?

Children and youth who have experienced maltreatment undergo a challenging involvement with the criminal justice system; in many cases, this involvement is extremely traumatic for the child/youth and their families. Child Advocacy Centres/Child & Youth Advocacy Centres (CACs/CYACs) address these challenges by providing a coordinated and collaborative approach to support children, youth and their families during investigations of child maltreatment.

More About UsWhat is Child Maltreatment?

What is a Child & Youth Advocacy Centre?

Children and youth who have experienced maltreatment undergo additional challenges of now having to be involved in the criminal justice system. In many cases, this involvement is extremely traumatic for the child/youth and their families with having to travel to several places that can be quite intimidating (i.e: Police Station, Child protection offices, Hospital & Emergency services, Court). Big Bear CYAC has been developed to address these challenges by coordinating the response in child maltreatment investigations and creating one safe location where all the professionals come to the child and not the other way around! Support and advocacy is the priority! Big Bear CYAC also works to connect children/youth and their families with the right healing and support services that will fit with their needs and cultural well being.

Big Bear CYAC is like every non-profit society where donations are greatly needed an appreciated – donations are always needed and welcomed! If you are interested in a donation to Big Bear and/or would like more info on donations, the donator bear paw plaques demonstrated within Big Bear CYAC, please email info@bigbearcyac.ca or call 778-470-8888

A Community Working Together for a Better Outcome for Everyone!

More About Us

News & Community Events.

We're closely connected with the Kamloops community and always have news to share. Learn more about community activities, as well as organizational news and developments, by clicking the links below.