Who We Are
Based on an internationally recognized, best-practice model of care, the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre Simcoe Muskoka (CYACSM), promotes and delivers excellence in child/youth abuse response, investigation and prevention while minimizing trauma and promoting the well-being of children, youth and their families during the investigative process, any court proceedings and beyond.
This commitment starts with enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the investigating interview with the best interest, comfort, and safety of the child in mind. With the unique wrap around support of a Child & Youth Advocate, children, youth and their non-offending family members have the support and information they need as they move along their healing journey.
The CYACSM has two child/youth friendly locations: Barrie and Orillia. With the recent addition of a new Mobile Unit, all children and youth who have been physically or sexually assaulted, throughout the regions of Simcoe County and Muskoka, will have easy access to this best practice, trauma informed model of service.
Our new Mobile Approach to CYACSM Programming consists of an Advocate accompanied by a facility dog, who travel throughout our region working collaboratively with local police and child protection workers to ensure a seamless approach to the investigative process and the coordination of service. This allows us to bring our core Advocate program to children, youth and their families in their home communities.
Our Vision:
All children and youth thriving in a responsive community that HEARS their voices and keeps them SAFE.
Our Mission:
The Child Advocacy Centre Simcoe/Muskoka minimizes trauma and promotes the well-being of children & youth who have experienced physical and sexual abuse and mobilizes the community to recognize, report and prevent abuse.
Strategic Pillars:
• Specialized Care
• Safe, Neutral Centres
• Knowledge
• Community Safety
Meet Our Team:
Meet Our Accredited Facility Dogs:
Beacon & Moose | COPE Facility Dogs
In July 2018, accredited COPE Facility Dog Beacon joined the CYAC to provide canine assisted therapeutic interventions for children and youth while at the Centre.
In October 2018, Beacon was joined by Moose. Acting as goodwill ambassadors of the Centre, they provide emotional/relaxation support and deep pressure therapy to children, youth and their caregivers. Their sweet, gentle nature, and genuine care of people, enhances the healing-centered approach of the Advocate Program immensely.
Our partners
In our child and youth-friendly Centres, through strong partnerships and collaboration, multidisciplinary teams including; police, child welfare, mental health, medical and Child, Youth & Family Advocate professionals work together to investigate abuse, help children heal from abuse, and hold offenders accountable.
Our History
First developed in the US during the 1980’s, the concept of Child Advocacy Centres is a grassroots initiative born out of the need to improve the effectiveness of child and youth abuse investigations, reduce the stress and minimize the trauma for victims.
Today, with over 40 centres open across Canada and others in various stages of development; this leading practice for responding to child abuse is transforming the system.
2007
The notion to develop a Child Advocacy Centre in Simcoe County/Muskoka was initiated.
2009
The first meeting with multidisciplinary community partners occurred; introducing and discussing the feasibility of developing a CYAC in Simcoe/Muskoka.
2011
The Child Advocacy Centre of Simcoe/Muskoka was officially incorporated. A Board of Directors was established.
2011
Justice Canada announced $26 million over two years in renewed funding for the Federal Victims Strategy of which the Government committed $7 million over five years for additional funding for new or enhanced Child Advocacy Centres.
2013
The CACSM was awarded $329,496.00 over two years, allowing the final development stages of the Centre.
2014
The Child Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka officially opened for service.
2015
A fulltime Abuse Prevention Coordinator was hired under 3-year Ontario Trillium Foundation funding. Education and training was provided to over 25,000 children, youth, caregivers, staff and police partners.
2016
Recipient of the 2016 Attorney General’s Victim Services Award of Distinction.
2017
Our second Centre opened in Barrie, ON to provide access to services and supports for more children, youth and families.
2018
Beacon & Moose join our team! Two specially trained and accredited COPE Facility Dogs joined the CYAC to provide canine assisted therapeutic interventions for children and youth using the Centres.
2020
Introduction of a Mobile approach to advocacy services
Board of Directors 2023
Valarie Gates
(Staff Sergeant, Barrie Police Service),
Chair
Christine Charman
(Accountant, Ben T. Cole Professional Corp.),
Treasurer
Laura Rosati
(Lawyer/Partner, Devry Smith Frank LLP),
Secretary
Jim Dykes
(Self Employed),
Director
Mandy Simcoe
(Director of Services, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services)
Director
Jonathan Waugh
(Detective Constable, Barrie Police Service),
Director
Korine Keyzer
(President, Aknor Construction Co. Ltd.),
Director