ResourceWhat Happens at the Aurora Child and Youth Advocacy Centre - The Process
The Aurora Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (ACYAC), a specialized program of the Aurora Centre, supports children and youth, along with their non-offending caregivers, throughout the investigative, judicial, and healing processes. Services include onsite forensic interviews in a child-friendly trauma informed environment, emotional support, system navigation, and access to specialized therapeutic resources. The CCYAC collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of experts, including mental health professionals, law enforcement, child protection agencies, and crown prosecutors.
Intake
Together with our multidisciplinary team of professionals we review each unique referral to provide a community response that supports the child and their non-offending caregivers. Referrals to our Centre are received exclusively from our law enforcement and child protection partners.
First Visit
When children and youth arrive at the CCYAC, they are welcomed by one of our Child and Family Advocates into our child- friendly space, filled with comfortable seating and activities to engage with. Children and youth are oriented to the space to ensure they are comfortable and ready for their interview.
Forensic Interview
When children are ready to talk, the Child and Family Advocate will introduce them to the interviewer, and the child will go into one of our forensic interview rooms, which is decorated with child-friendly art and furniture. In this room they will have an audio and video recorded conversation with a specially trained forensic interview. Child forensic interviews are recorded to reduce the need for the child to tell their story more than once. These interviews can be submitted for use in our criminal justice system and can help prepare the child for court.
Court Preparation
In the case that the investigation proceeds to court, our Child and Family Advocates will meet with the child prior to trial to provide support and preparation. In court preparation, children will learn the rules surrounding court, build tools to manage stress, and dispel any fears they have towards the court process. Children will also have the chance to meet with the Crown Prosecutor and ask any questions they might have.
Court Accompaniment
We understand that court may be a stressful or intimidating experience for a child or youth of any age. We will ensure that one of our Child and Family Advocates is present through the court process, every step of the way. Though this may look different for each unique case, our child and family advocates are happy to answer any questions and explain the process.
Trauma Referrals
Regardless of what is happening in the police investigation or judicial system, our Centre is here to help. Our Child and Family Advocates can provide personalized trauma referrals to mental health services in the community and at our Centre that can provide the best fit for the child and family.
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