June 2025
June 9, 2025
Welcome to the Spring edition of Cedar Centre’s newsletter! This spring, we’ve made meaningful progress across our multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), strengthened collaborative partnerships, and gathered valuable insights from the National CYAC community. From foundational planning and pilot program development to new onboarding tools and national
connections, we’re building a strong, coordinated response for children, youth, and caregivers impacted by abuse.
MDT Connection & Collaboration
We continue to build the key foundations for the CYAC and its core programs, and we are on track with our projected timelines. Our multidisciplinary team is working closely together to
review and finalize foundational procedures, processes and the implementation of CYAC policies.
Programs and their systems are built collectively to ensure no stone is left unturned when it comes to filling the gaps, or removing barriers for children, youth and their supportive
caregivers. Working Groups (sub-committees of the MDT) are leading the shift of DASA/YRP pilot programs to active CYAC program elements alongside the Child & Youth Advocate
Program. The Sustainability of Operations Committee is working diligently to finalize the following:
- Strategic Plan
- Business Plan
- Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)
Our Business Plan will continue to be updated to reflect the continued development of our expanding programs. To support this, a supplementary Feasibility Study will be undertaken in
the fall, providing a comprehensive projection of the CYAC’s first-year operational budget.
2025 National CAC/CYAC Meeting
(Halifax, Nova Scotia) May 8-9
The conference provided valuable insights for organizations in development, like ours at CedarCentre.
- Introduction to the newly founded National Association
One of the most impactful sessions introduced the newly founded National Association, Child & Youth Advocacy Centres of Canada (CYACC). Attendees helped shape CYACC’s first strategic plan by exploring national advocacy priorities, defining membership structures, and advancing best practices and accreditation pathways. Interactive discussions also addressed key issues impacting service delivery for children, youth, and families affected by abuse.
They unveiled a new logo symbolizing children at the heart of our work. The design, inspired by Indigenous beading traditions, represents diversity, strength, and unity across Canadian CYACs.
- Strengthening Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs)
Another standout session focused on the essential role of MDTs within the CYAC model. Participants explored the complexities of inter-agency collaboration and shared strategies to enhance team functioning and leadership. Recent research and peer discussions underscored the need for intentional support and evaluation of MDTs to improve outcomes for the children and families we serve.
We are looking forward to bringing home the knowledge and tools shared to help support the development of our foundational practices from a National perspective. Tools and resources
will be shared and made available for partners.
Thank you & Congratulations
Congratulations to Cassaundra Maxwell on the successful completion of her professional practicum! We extend our heartfelt thanks for her thoughtful and detailed contributions to the development of the Child & Youth Advocate (CYA) Program. During her time with the CYAC, Cassaundra played a key role in advancing foundational elements of the program, including finalized job descriptions, operational program guidelines, training manual framework, and an updated CYA Service Flow. Her dedication and precision have left a lasting impact on this important initiative.
