Child & Youth Advocacy Centre

Waypoints Child and Youth Advocacy Centre is a place where children and youth can be referred by our partnership with RCMP and Child & Family Services, to find solace, support, and empowerment after witnessing or experiencing trauma. Our centre offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to address the unique needs of each individual, including counselling, legal advocacy, and collaboration with community partners. With a dedicated team of professionals, we advocate for the rights and well-being of every young person who seeks our assistance, fostering healing, resilience, and positive change.

At Waypoints, every child's voice is heard, and every youth's journey matters.

As a parent or guardian of a child accessing the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre’s services, you can expect a nurturing and secure environment where the well-being and confidentiality of your child are our foremost concerns. We offer access to vital resources, including trauma support, and/or referrals, alongside continuous emotional support provided by our compassionate staff. We are dedicated to linking you and your child with tailored community resources.

For more information about the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, please contact us at 1 (780) 743-4695.

Who Can Access the
Child & Youth Advocacy Centre?

All referrals to the CYAC are from RCMP and/or Child and Family Services.
These referrals are in response to child abuse and as a team we provide the following:

  • Forensic Interviews

  • Court Support

  • Emotional and psychological supports and services

  • Educational information, resources and referrals

What is a
Forensic Interview?

This is where a child is given the chance to tell their story.

Upon meeting the interviewer, the child is taken into a second room with comfortable furniture and soft colours. It is in this room that the interviewer will have a recorded conversation with the child and give them the opportunity to tell their story.

The interview is always recorded for several reasons, primarily because the recording eliminates the need for the child to tell their story multiple times. These taped interviews can be used as evidence in legal proceedings or as a tool to help the child prepare for court.

What Can I Expect When Arriving at the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre?

Upon arriving at the CYAC a child will be welcomed in a warm and friendly setting filled with comfortable furniture, paintings and stuffed animals.

Part of this experience is being introduced to our Centre Facilitator who may take them into one of our child friendly spaces, where they will stay until the interviewer arrives. In this space the facilitator gives their undivided attention to the child, sometimes offering healthy snacks, drinks, and helping them to feel more comfortable before the interview.