What is it.
Trauma-informed practice is essential for promoting healing and minimizing re-traumatization. In Canada, changes to the Criminal Code, Canada Evidence Act, and Victims Bill of Rights aim to better support children and youth involved in the criminal justice system. However, significant gaps remain in how these practices are implemented, particularly by legal actors such as police, lawyers, judges, and victim support workers. This article reviews existing research and current practices for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect. The authors identify core components of trauma-informed practice and examine how system practices align with these components.
How can it help me?
Trauma-informed care is at the heart of every CYAC, shaping policies, programs, and service delivery. Yet, many other systems do not consistently reflect these principles. CYACs play a critical role in advocacy, promoting trauma-informed practices across systems so that every child, youth, and their family can access care that is safe, supportive, and consistent.