May 2023
May 1, 2023
It’s been four years since we started Project Hope. We can all be proud of the work that has been accomplished during this time: from researching and selecting a co-located model, to developing a business plan and governance model, to launching our first pilot program with DASA and YRP.
Communicating the value of a CYAC for York Region has also been a key priority to ensure support across stakeholders and the community. Over this time, we’ve released nine newsletters to our Board, CAST and partner organizations, reached over 2,000 visitors through our website, been featured on various regional news sites, published over 50 social posts, and now we’re relaunching our government relations campaign, which was put on hold during COVID-19.
We’re thrilled to announce Cedar Centre will be receiving five additional years of funding for the development of the CYAC from the Department of Justice Canada for the period of April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2028. Key deliverables for this grant include:
- the design, implementation, and evaluation of two pilots (Child & Youth Advocate role, case conferences);
- the evaluation of one full year of the DASA/YRP pilot that began in September 2022;
- completion of various activities related to the operations of the CYAC such as business plans, development of policies, procedures and additional Memos of Understanding;
- execution of a comprehensive, multi-tiered government relations plan;
- development of communication material to support the Capital Campaign;
- securing space, and preparing space for operations; and developing detailed transition plans for the move to the CYAC.
We are grateful to the Department of Justice Canada for their continued confidence in the team. The work being done by the entire team to make Project Hope a reality would not be possible without the financial support from the DOJC.
DASA/YRP Pilot
We’ve made significant progress with the DASA/YRP pilot since starting the pilot in September 2022. A report is being written to highlight findings from the first six-months of data collection, which included conducting focus groups with YRP detectives from the Crimes Against Children unit and a debrief with the team from DASA.
We will continue to collect data on sexual and physical assault cases to inform resource planning needs until September 2023. A final report will be written in Fall 2023 to capture the full year of learning.
National CAC-CYAC Conference
Representatives from CACs and CYACs from coast to coast to coast gathered on March 8-9, 2023 to showcase some of the work being done across the country. The conference took place in Kelowna, British Columbia and participants had the option to attend in-person or virtually. Topics presented included:
- the process used by one CYAC to become a trauma-informed organization;
- a review of cultural considerations to be mindful of when working with Indigenous children and youth during investigations; and
- the role of caregivers in providing support to children and youth following a disclosure of physical and/or sexual abuse.
Attendees were also provided with an update on the formation of a National Association which is on track to be formally established in 2023.
We’re thrilled to announce Cedar Centre will be receiving five additional years of funding for the development of the CYAC…
