Library

12 results found

Stuck in the middle: When repeated reports of child abuse and neglect intersect with family conflict – Practice Framework

What is it. Repeated, unsubstantiated reports of child abuse and neglect between parents involved in separation or custody disputes are commonly encountered by CYACS and their multidisciplinary team members across Canada. These cases present a complex challenge and place children and youth at risk for systemic and emotional harms. This practice framework was co-developed by CYACs across Canada and informed by research evidence, multidisciplinary expertise, and practice knowledge for CYACs…
- Multidisciplinary Team
- Tool/Template
August 16, 2026
Responding to repeated, unsubstantiated reports of child abuse and neglect

What is it.   Kindex has been working with CYACs and multidisciplinary team members across Canada to co-develop a new practice framework to help professionals better understand how to support children and families involved in ongoing cycles of repeated, unsubstantiated reports of child abuse and neglect during parental separation or custody disputes. In this webinar, Kindex Senior Research Associates Janine Elenko, Tyler Kruger,…
- Multidisciplinary Team
- Webinar
August 13, 2026
Reducing harm to children experiencing repeated allegations of child abuse and neglect during parental conflict – Policy brief

What is it. This evidence-based policy brief provides actionable insights to strengthen coordinated responses to repeated allegations of child abuse and neglect during parental separation, divorce, and family court proceedings. It provides an overview of three major response areas in need of attention, with policy recommendations to reduce unnecessary investigations, strengthen continuity of care for…
- Multidisciplinary Team
- Policy
August 10, 2026
A meta-analysis of recidivism rates among individuals who commit child sexual abuse material offences

What is it. This study is a large-scale meta-analysis examining reoffending rates among adults who have committed child sexual abuse material offences. Drawing on 30 international samples, totalling nearly 26,000 individuals, it provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive estimates of reoffending in this population. The study was conducted to clarify ongoing concerns about whether individuals who commit child sexual abuse material offences are likely…
- Multidisciplinary Team
- Article Summary
August 28, 2025
Strengthening Canadian child and youth advocacy centres through coordinated research and knowledge sharing: Establishing a Canadian research and knowledge centre

What is it. This discussion paper describes the development of Kindex (formally, Canadian Child and Youth Advocacy Research and Knowledge Centre), a community-academic partnership to support and further the evidence-base around child abuse and CYAC practices. This discussion paper explores the need for a multidisciplinary response to child abuse and the benefit of such a…
- Multidisciplinary Team,
- Organizational Capacity
- Article
April 2, 2025
Facilitating multidisciplinary team functioning in child and youth advocacy centres using shared mental models

What is it. This practice brief focuses on the use of shared mental models to facilitate multidisciplinary team (MDT) functioning at CYACs. A shared mental model is where individual members of a team all have a common structure and shared understanding of the topic or ways of working. This practice brief highlights three areas of opportunities…
- Multidisciplinary Team,
- Organizational Capacity
- Practice Brief
March 25, 2025
Child sexual abuse material

What is it. This panel topic was child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). This is a growing global concern. The panel reviews some relevant research on the topic of CSAM. Panelists discussed working with victims and families throughout the process, with specific discussions about forensic interviewing in CSAM cases. The panel explored practical concerns and strategies…
- R2P Panel
November 1, 2024
Problematic sexual behaviour: CYACs unique position to support children and families

What is it. Problematic sexual behaviour occurs when children aged 12 and younger engage in sexual actions that are not typical for their age and are developmentally inappropriate. These actions can potentially harm themselves or others. This practice brief provided an overview of problematic sexual behaviour and offered considerations for a multidisciplinary response within the…
- Practice Brief
September 9, 2024
Trauma-informed practices in child sexual abuse

What is it. This study examined therapeutic outcomes for 218 children who completed psychotherapy following sexual abuse, tracked over a 10-year period in a Quebec CYAC. Most children experienced severe or repeated abuse and often faced additional adversities, such as exposure to other forms of child abuse and neglect. While the number of centralized services…
- Multidisciplinary Team
- Article Summary
June 20, 2024
Team functioning and performance in Child Advocacy Center multidisciplinary teams

What is it. This study examines how multidisciplinary team functioning relates to team performance within Child Advocacy Centers otherwise known as CYACs in Canada. This study examined twenty-one Child Advocacy Centres in one U.S. state, and surveyed 433 multidisciplinary team members from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, medical, mental health, and victim advocacy sectors. While multidisciplinary team collaboration is central to the CYAC model, little quantitative research has tested how affective (e.g., liking,…
- Multidisciplinary Team
- Article Summary
February 1, 2024