In response to the additional trauma that children/youth experience through abuse disclosures, CYACs are promoted as best-practice (McDonald, Scrim & Rooney, 2016). A CYAC has the opportunity to support the child to create better outcomes for the victims, the investigation process and society alike.

CYACs were developed in the United States over 30 years ago ​to minimize system-induced trauma that often occur during ‘traditional’ investigation methods (Department of Justice Canada, 2013).​ There are now over 1,000 centres successfully operating in the U.S. Support for the maltreated child/youth is prioritized in CYACs and it encompasses the use of a multidisciplinary team and thorough case management (McDonald, Scrim & Rooney, 2016). The Canadian Government is promoting communities to adopt this ‘best-practice’ model and specifically design it to meet individual community needs (Department of Justice Canada, 2016).

There are approximately 38 Advocacy Centres that are open or in development in Canada.

The idea to develop a Child & Youth Advocacy Centre was championed at the end of 2015. Developing  a CYAC was a massive project and took a lot of time, patience and the right people coming together. It also takes work to find the funding; therefore, Big Bear CYAC  developed in Phases to make it feasible and allow services to be available as soon as possible!

Phase 1 of development consisted of becoming a Charitable Society with a Board of Directors, defining the CYAC model of practise with policies and procedures, creating the MOU, the hiring of staff/contracted partners and a the creation of a Partnership Agreement between Big Bear CYAC and the Regional Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect Clinic (SCAN Clinic-located at the Royal Inland Hospital). The Phase 1 partnership between Big Bear and the SCAN Clinic incorporated the CYAC model of practise, advocacy and support for children and families, and advocated for the child forensic RCMP interviews to occur at the SCAN Clinic until completion of Big Bear CYAC Phase 2. The launch of operations for Phase 1 was on March 3, 2020.

Big Bear Phase 2 of development involved securing a location and completing renovations in April, 2021 – Big Bear CYAC opened its doors May 1st/2021! Big Bear CYAC has a beautiful and welcoming space with a Family Room, a Child & Youth Room, and cozy meeting rooms that are filled with soft furniture, ‘Big Bear decor’ and snacks/refreshments so children, youth and their families can have conversations with Police, Child Protection, Health workers and/or Crown in a more comfortable space. Children and youth will no longer have to go to the Police Station or the hospital location to share their painful story with professionals because the professionals can now come to Big Bear. RCMP wear ‘plain clothes’ at Big Bear so conversations with them feel way less intimidating. At Big Bear – we help children and youth go at the pace they need in sharing their story – the priority is you! We also want to advocate for the supports and services you want or need within the community to promote long-term healing and well-being.

Big Bear CYAC is in Phase 3 of development – offering all the services of Phase 2 but now welcomed the completion of the Centres remote testifying room! Sometimes youth, who have witnessed or experienced maltreatment, need to testify or read their impact statement in court. Going to court can be a very intimidating place to be, as well a place where running into the alleged offender is likely. Now youth can apply to be able to come to Big Bear CYAC instead, where privacy and comfort  is ensured!

Big Bear CYAC  recognizes and honours the need for Truth & Reconciliation within all the services we provide. Big Bear CYAC opened its Elders space, offering a comfortable and welcoming space for children, youth and families who would like to engage in prayer, ceremony or just to have a private place to gather. Thank you to the partnerships with Secwepemc Health Caucus and Lii Michif Otipemisiwak, the space offers Drums, Rattles and healing rocks.

Phase 3 still involves the working of  moving the SCAN Clinic under the Big Bear roof so children & youth will no longer have to go to the hospital for a forensic medical evaluation or wellness check! Having professionals working together (RCMP, Child Protection and Health) under the one roof will complete the ability to fully coordinate investigations. This will mitigate gaps in services and reduce systemic trauma that research demonstrates children often experience when involved with the justice system in cases of child abuse.

Big Bear CYAC is near completion of opening up its second forensic interview room. Being able to have two interview rooms allows for each to be designated and designed specifically for younger children or for youth. Because Big Bear CYAC’s young clients are anywhere from the age 2 to 18, it is important to have age appropriate furniture. Oversized furniture can make a young child (who may already be feeling nervous and less empowered) to feel even more vulnerable when they are meeting with professionals. Having the right sized furniture makes a huge difference!

Big Bear CYAC…changing the journey for children, youth and their families who have to be involved in the criminal justice system due to experiencing abuse or witnessing other forms of traumatic events! It is so unfortunate that children and youth have to experience such traumas, but when everyone is working together, we can help ensure they are getting what they need in order to heal.

Together…A better outcome for everyone

For more information, and to follow us as we continue to develop, follow us on Big Bear CYAC Facebook and/or Instagram.