Toronto Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) Support, Assessment & Treatment for the Child/Youth and Family

Thistletown Regional Centre SAFE-T Program

Goals of the CYAC are to provide: a child-friendly facility that is comfortable for children/youth and is both psychologically and physically safe; a multidisciplinary team approach in which the CYAC works with police, child protection, medical and mental health professionals, and victim advocates;

specially trained forensic interviewers who gather information thereby avoiding repeat, sequential interviews of the child; medical evaluation either at the CYAC or through collaboration with specialized medical service providers; specialized mental health services provided either at the CYAC or in co-operation with collateral providers;

victim support/advocacy; case reviews with the Team conducted on a routine basis to share information, plan and co-ordinate investigation and other services; and case tracking and evaluation to monitor case progress, service outcomes and the efficacy of the program.

Issues & Gaps Identified Investigations not always being conducted in child friendly locations. Lack of coordination between professionals. Lack of consistent support for the non-offending caregiver(s). Need for crisis intervention. Inconsistent or fragmented case management.

The Model for Toronto Child abuse reports of sexual and physical abuse will be investigated at the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC). Consistent support and advocacy will be provided to the child/youth and family throughout the process from investigation to completion of the criminal justice process. All crisis and advocacy support, medical services , counselling, and court preparation services will coordinated from the CYAC.

Multi-disciplinary team Investigative /Advocate team debrief CYAC Service Model TPS Multi-disciplinary team case conference CYAC intake contacts investigation team, links with child and family support services, books room TPS/CAS continue investigation; Advocate provides supports to child and family, consults with mental health services including crisis support Child/youth and family receive support until case is complete TPS and CASs initiate investigation; Advocate provides support to child and family CYAC intake receives Call Investigative /Advocate team debrief Advocate makes referrals for services: trauma treatment , child victim witness Medical examination CAS Trauma assessment & treatment Court preparation & support

The Advocacy Support Program The Advocate’s role is to provide support and case management services to child/youth victims of abuse and their families who are referred to the Child and Youth Advocacy Center. The Advocate assists with crisis intervention and makes referrals for families for ongoing clinical services and court support. The Advocate supports a child/youth and family throughout a child abuse investigation, intake through disposition.

Advocate’s Primary Responsibilities: Greets child/youth and family upon arrival at the CYAC and helps prepare them for the forensic interview and investigation. Collects information from the non-offending caregiver(s) and assists family with completing required forms (i.e. consent).

Answers questions from the non-offending caregiver(s) and provides support and guidance during the investigation. Serves as families’ liaison and representative to the multidisciplinary investigating team. Assesses child/youth and family for needs, including crisis intervention and makes referral to Intake Program for services.

Remains in regular and consistent contact with the family. Attends and participates in all team meetings and case reviews. In cases where crisis or mental health needs are severe, the Advocate will consult with or request the involvement of a Mental Health Clinician. The Advocate & Mental Health Clinician will work together to meet the immediate needs of the child/youth and family.

Trauma Assessment Once a referral is made to the Intake Worker for services, the information provided by the Advocate will be reviewed to determine if a trauma assessment is appropriate. An orientation meeting will be offered to the family to describe the services that are available and determine if they are willing to participate in a trauma assessment. Services may be offered at the CYAC or at an agency in the family's community.

A trauma assessment is conducted to evaluate: current family functioning (includes attachment and overall quality of relationships in the family); historical victimization of the child and/or caregiver; disclosure information; symptom presentation; trauma-related cognitions; affect regulation and expression;

behavioural regulation and expression; social/academic functioning; self-perception; perceived availability of support; child and family strengths, and other significant issues of concern.

Assessment & Trauma Treatment Process Conduct clinical interviews with family and child, as well as administer psychometric questionnaires. Assimilate assessment findings and formulate child/youth and family clinical objectives. Provide feedback to determine if the child/youth and family is interested in proceeding with treatment. Clinician will create collaborative treatment goals with family informed by the assessment.

Assessment & Trauma Treatment Process Initiate evidence-based practices and evidence-informed interventions that best meet the child/youth and family treatment needs. Continued re-assessment throughout treatment to ensure appropriate direction of clinical intervention. Conclude treatment with child/youth and family. * Open door policy for clients who may require support at a future stage of development

Other clinical services Coping Skills Group for Adolescent Girls Expressive Arts Group for Girls Caregiver Support Group