Our Centre
What is a CYAC?
A Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) is a vital resource for children and youth who have experienced abuse. CYACs provide a safe and supportive environment where young individuals can access a range of services, all under one roof. By bringing together professionals from various disciplines such as social work, law enforcement, mental health, and victim services in a child-friendly setting, CYACs ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response to the needs of each child or youth who seeks help.
At a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, the emphasis is not only on addressing the immediate crisis but also on fostering healing and resilience in young survivors. Through trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices, CYACs empower children and their families to navigate the complex aftermath of abuse. Furthermore, CYACs play a crucial role in advocating for systemic changes to prevent future victimization and promote the well-being of all young individuals in their communities. By providing a compassionate and holistic approach, CYACs serve as beacons of hope and support for those who need it most.
Our Story
In 2012, a partnership was formed and would later promote the development of a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) in Vernon, called Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (Oak CYAC). Oak CYAC is now a well-established service in the North Okanagan with a committed group of agencies providing leadership for the response to abuse and violence against children, youth, and their families. These agencies work together to provide a collaborative response to children, youth, and their families, who have experienced abuse, sexual assault, or witnessed a crime. The Centre is a safe space where people ages 18 and younger can receive the support they need; from receiving referrals to counselling supports, to meetings with judicial and child protection workers, to remote testimony or forensic interviewing in a family-friendly facility. Oak CYAC served their 1000th client in 2023, and recently reached a decade of service in 2025.
Our History
With Your Help, We are Making The World a Better Place
The Issue
Child abuse remains a significant and distressing issue in Canada, affecting children of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. Despite efforts to raise awareness and implement preventative measures, the prevalence of child abuse in Canada is alarming. Statistics reveal that thousands of children experience abuse each year, encompassing various forms such as physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect. As many as 1 in 3 Canadians have experienced some form of child abuse before the age of 15. Tragically, many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness, perpetuating a cycle of silence and suffering.
The consequences of child abuse are profound and far-reaching, impacting not only the immediate well-being of the child but also their long-term physical, emotional, and psychological development. Survivors of child abuse are at increased risk of experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, and even homelessness later in life. Furthermore, the societal costs associated with child abuse, including healthcare expenses, legal interventions, and lost productivity, are staggering. Addressing the root causes of child abuse and providing comprehensive support to survivors are crucial steps in safeguarding the welfare of children and building healthier communities across Canada.
Our Mission & Approach
At Oak CYAC we believe all children deserve to be safe and free from abuse.
We provide a safe, family-friendly environment and team dedicated to supporting those impacted by abuse and neglect by empowering local agencies to work together to improve outcomes and build resilience for children, youth and families in our communities.
We all have a role to play in keeping children in our province safe. The advocacy work of CYACs helps us all keep our eyes and ears on vulnerable children to provide them with the best opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling, and violence-free lives.
Children & Youth Served by Oak CYAC (as of May 31, 2025)
Years
Facility Dog
Staff
CYACs in BC
A Letter from the BC Network of CYACs
As the Acting Program Manager at Oak CYAC, I would like to sincerely thank all the dedicated professionals who collaborate at Oak CYAC for their exceptional efforts in supporting children and youth in our community. After a decade of service, we have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most inspiring children, youth and families in our region. Every day we are amazed by the resilience of children, many of whom have been hurt by ones they love.
The progress and successes achieved by the entire Oak team are a testament to our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment for the young individuals and families we serve. It’s inspiring to watch the incredible work carried out by such passionate and skilled people.
The positive outcomes we’ve seen in the children we serve are a direct result of the work done by Oak CYAC partners – from frontline service providers and responders, to leadership and support staff. People who are called to work in response to children who have experienced abuse and violence go above and beyond to ensure that young victims have what they need to heal and prosper. Thank you to each and every one of those who have made a positive impact on the children, youth and families who need our help the most.
We could not do what we do without the support of our community. Oak CYAC is not a government contracted program and relies on grants and fundraising to lead this essential service. We sincerely thank the community members, family foundations and committed organizations who believe in this work and support us to help keep children safe. Once again, thank you. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an outstanding team and look forward to many more successes in the coming year.
With sincere appreciation,
Nathanael Hewitt
Nathanael Hewitt
Our Partners
The goal of this partnership is to provide a coordinated response to crimes against children and youth and to support child and youth witnesses and their families. Partners come to Oak Centre to interview the child or youth, and can continue to use Oak Centre to meet with the child or youth and their families any time after the interview.
Oak Centre is a partnership made up of the following agencies:
Our Supporters
We would like to thank all those who have come together to fund Oak Centre. Your financial support allows us to help the children, youth and families in our community. Thank you for your generosity.
Funders
Donors
Sponsors
Other CYACs in British Columbia
