Child-Focused Setting

The CYAC provides a welcoming, physically and psychologically safe, neutral, trauma-informed and comfortable child-and-youth-friendly setting.

Activities

CYAC activities or elements that contribute to a child-focused setting may include: 

  • CYAC design represents diverse developmental stages
  • CYAC staff are specifically trained in child development
  • Children, youth, and caregivers are greeted and oriented to the setting 
  • Separate and private areas are available as needed (e.g., during waiting for services, for case consultations)
  • Children and youth are always within sight of a safe adult 

For more information on child-focused settings in CYACs, see the guideline and key components.

CYAC Guidelines

Outputs

The activities and elements at your CYAC will determine what outputs you track related to a child-focused setting. Example outputs are: 

  • Appropriate physical space design and availability
  • # of staff with training in child development 
  • Variety in toys, books, and waiting space resources to address developmental stages
  • Dedicated staff member in child space

Child and youth outcomes

A child-focused setting as part of the CYAC model contributes to a responsive and accessible multi-system response to child abuse. Ways to know how child-focused setting elements and activities contribute to the CYAC response are: 

  • Children and youth actively engage in the space (e.g., play with toys, reading books)
  • Children and youth feel represented in the space and have access to resources that represent their developmental stages

Data Collection Practices

Data collection practices need to reflect your local operational and community context. You may already have tools in place to track these outputs and outcomes, or have tools that can be adapted to reflect these outputs and outcomes. If you need support in enhancing your data collection practices, please connect with us.

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