A hallmark of child and youth advocacy centres is the multidisciplinary team (MDT), made up of professionals who recognize the multi-faceted needs of children who have experienced abuse, and who work together to effectively respond, advocate, and provide the support necessary for healing. This team comes together in one location and includes law enforcement, child protection services, prosecutors, medical and mental health professionals, victim advocates, and CYAC staff. The underlying premise of CYACs is that the inter-professional response and diverse expertise results in better decision making and outcomes for children and families.
Similarly, the CYAC Research and Knowledge Centre has a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach. The University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work and Luna are co-leading the Centre, while other important partners in this work include: provincial and national CYACs, policy partners at the Ministries of Children’s Services, Justice and Solicitor General, Community and Social Services, Health and Education, and faculty partners at the University of Calgary.
Where possible and appropriate, provincial and national work is pursued across all four priority areas (i.e., evaluation, research, emerging issues, knowledge mobilization).
