The new Chilliwack Child and Youth Advocacy Centre set up to address child abuse will open this fall in downtown Chilliwack.
The new centre is the result of a collaboration between RCMP, and the agencies serving children, youth and families dealing with child abuse.
"We are proud to announce the opening of our new trauma-informed, child and youth-friendly program in Chilliwack," said RCMP Cpl. Carmen Kiener, who is one of the organizers.
"This milestone marks the culmination of years of community partnership, careful planning, and shared commitment to creating a safe, healing-centred space."
What is a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC)?
"It is a collaboration between the RCMP, child protection, and victim advocates in a child-friendly facility where children, youth, and their families can receive an individualized response and services after the occurrence of child abuse," Kiener said.
The Chilliwack centre will be the fifth CYAC in the Lower Mainland, 12th in B.C. and one of 40 across Canada.
"Services provided include prevention, intervention, prosecution, treatment and support for victims and their families."
"It is intended to minimize the system-induced trauma and support longer-term well-being by providing a child-friendly facility for young victims and their families. Currently there are 40 CYACs across Canada.
The Youth Advocacy Centre, accessed from the Paramount breezeway outside the Chilliwack Community Services building, will open Sept. 18.
