May 2022
May 1, 2022
The Project Hope team has been busy over this last year developing a pilot program, planning office designs for the ideal shared space, and attending the annual National CYAC-CAE Network Conference. Below is an update on our progress.
Pilot program
This fall we are launching a pilot program focused on supporting referrals from YRP to DASA for sexual assault/abuse. A working group has been formed to develop a logic model, implementation plan, ongoing analysis and result tracking.
Space design
A design firm has been retained to create some visual/mood boards for the interior space for Cedar Centre’s new home. This new home will also house Project Hope. As a co-location model, teams from each of the partner agencies will have office space in the new building. The designs are being developed in consultation with Project Hope partners and planning committee members. The visual/mood boards will provide very useful visual references to share with potential funders and donors.
National CYAC-CAC Network Conference
The annual CYAC-CAC network conference took place virtually in early March. It is a wonderful opportunity for representatives from CYACs-CACs from across the country to come together to learn from each other. The number of CYACs-CACs coming online across Canada continues to grow. We are now 30 strong from coast to coast to coast with another dozen centres in development. Two presentations of particular relevance to Project Hope are highlighted below:
Remote Testimony
Research indicates the quality of testimony increases and system-related stressors are reduced when a child/youth can testify from a place that feels safe and familiar (Nathanson & Saywitz, 2003). More CYACs-CACs across Canada are creating space to accommodate children and youth testimony to take place on site as another way to reduce system-induced re-victimization. Two CYACs with remote testimony capability (Luna and Boost) are collaborating to conduct an evaluation of this service. Both multi-disciplinary team members and caregivers will be engaged in the evaluation process. Results are expected in Fall 2022.
Trauma-Aware Program
All CYACs-CACs are committed to working in a trauma-informed manner. Being Trauma Aware is a program that has been developed for organizations that serve children and youth. It is not a clinical training tool but rather a training for all staff and management of an organization to complete. The program is a free, e-learning tool that can be completed at your own pace. The objectives of this program are:
- To understand trauma
- To learn how trauma impacts childhood development
- To be able to recognize when trauma might be affecting a child’s behaviour.
For more information on this program, please click here.
