Library

48 results found

Characteristics and treatment outcomes of children referred for problematic sexual behaviour therapy

What is it. Many cases at CYACs involve harm that is initiated by children, including problematic sexual behaviour. Treatment for problematic sexual behaviour has shifted towards using developmental approaches that recognize childhood experiences contributing to these behaviours and the importance of involving their family. This study explores the characteristics of children and their families referred for problematic sexual behaviour treatment at a Canadian CYAC and their treatment…
- Case Tracking,
- Mental Health Evaluation and Treatment
- Article Summary
July 17, 2025
Caregiver support and youth mental health after sexual abuse

What is it. This article examines the impact of caregiver support on the mental health of youth who had experienced sexual abuse and received services at a CYAC in the United States. Youth ages 11 to 17 and their caregivers completed surveys on mental health after a forensic interview. This article provides valuable insights for…
- Mental Health Evaluation and Treatment,
- Victim Advocacy and Support Services
- Article Summary
July 10, 2025
Youth identified considerations, drivers, and strategies for meaningful youth engagement in child maltreatment research

What is it. This article outlines key considerations and practical strategies to guide researchers and practitioners to meaningfully engage children and youth with lived experience in research. The authors assembled a Youth Consultant Panel, bringing together youth, caregivers, and clinicians from across Canada. Together, they provided guidance on how to engage children and youth in ways…
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Article Summary
July 1, 2025
Medical evaluation and treatment in CYACs

What is it. This panel explored medical evaluation and treatment within the CYAC context. Panelists specializing in child abuse pediatrics shared how this guideline has been implemented in CYACs across Canada. They addressed key considerations behind medical examinations in CYACs, and discussed strategies for equitable access to child abuse medical services. The conversation offered insights…
- Medical Evaluation and Treatment
- R2P Panel
June 11, 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
Children exposed to sibling sexual abuse

What is it. This study examined sibling sexual abuse within children receiving therapeutic services at a CYAC. Researchers aimed to better understand the sociodemographic characteristics, abuse patterns, trauma symptoms, and protective factors of children who experienced sibling sexual abuse compared to those who experienced abuse by a parent/step-parent or non-family member. Sibling sexual abuse is a common yet overlooked and poorly understood form of child sexual abuse. By distinguishing sibling sexual abuse from other forms…
- Mental Health Evaluation and Treatment
- Article Summary
April 1, 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
Department of Justice: Virtual testimony from child advocacy centres and child and youth advocacy centres

What is it. Virtual testimony allows children and youth to testify from a safe and child-friendly space instead of a courtroom. Although virtual testimony has been available for several decades, its use remains limited. This research article emphasizes the importance of virtual testimony as part of a trauma-informed approach when children and youth are required to…
- Diversity and Inclusion,
- Victim Advocacy and Support Services
- Article
February 1, 2025
Youth led conversation on consent messaging

What is it. This youth-led panel focuses on sexual consent for children and youth. Service providers have indicated an increase of peer-to-peer abuse and victimization, noting a need to understand the experiences of children and youth today. This panel was moderated and presented by youth across Canada, with a focus on how CYACs and professionals…
- R2P Panel
February 1, 2025
Investigative interviewers peer feedback on a child forensic interview

What is it. Forensic interviewing with children is complex and requires specialized knowledge. Interviewers often struggle to follow best practices due to limited training, and lack of feedback. Addressing these barriers is essential to maintain the integrity of the interview and protect the well-being of the child. This study examined the quality and structure of peer feedback and whether training…
- Forensic Interviews
- Article Summary
January 22, 2025