YORK REGION TO GET ITS FIRST CHILD & YOUTH ADVOCACY CENTRE
January 13, 2021
NEWMARKET, Ontario – Cedar Centre, the leading provider of trauma-specific therapy
to children, youth, and adults in York Region who have experienced interpersonal
childhood trauma, announced today their intention to create the region’s first Child and
Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC). In partnership with York Regional Police, York Region
Children’s Aid Society, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services, and
Jewish Family and Child Service, the CYAC will ensure these children and youth who
have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect are not further
traumatized by the system.
“Child & Youth Advocacy Centres are considered to be the gold standard for responding
to child abuse. This vision of creating one in York Region will ensure our children and
youth are not further traumatized by our systems. By improving the coordination of
critical services, children and youth will only have to tell their story once”, said Alison
Peck, Executive Director of Cedar Centre.
There are currently over 30 CYACs across Canada. This will be the first CYAC in York
Region. Based on learnings shared from CYACs currently in operation, Cedar Centre
and their partners are aiming to launch a pilot program in 2022 with the new centre fully
opened in 2025.
“Based on the current environment, and the studies that show the long term effects
COVID-19 can have on our children, youth and communities, this CYAC will make a
tremendous difference to the lives of the children and youth of York Region who have
experienced interpersonal trauma. We’re excited to be working closely with such
important partners, and thankful for the community support we’ve received so far”, said
Ken Gibbons, Cedar Centre Board Chair.
To learn more about this initiative, visit York Region’s First Child & Youth Advocacy
Centre.
