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Mobile unit being set up for the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

Locations are currently available in Barrie and Orillia while the mobile unit will make access to the centre easier for those outside of the two communities
2020-09-30 CYAC Mobile Unit Supplied Photo
From left to right: Leslie Raymond and Jocelyn Konidela, Child and Youth Advocates for the CYAC, service dog Beacon, Nottawasaga Detachment A/D/Sgt. Vance, and Detachment Commander Inspector Steve Ridout. Supplied photo
NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is pleased to announce that the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) of Simcoe Muskoka will be available in our community in the near future. 

Currently, the Centre has two locations within the Simcoe Muskoka area; one located at 359 West Street North in Orillia and the other at 64 Cedar Pointe Drive in Barrie. However, due to transportation barriers and the large geographic area, many victims do not have access to the centre.

The CYAC received funding to create a mobile unit to enable forensic investigations involving children/youth to occur closer to home. This means that the children/youth and families will no longer have to drive to Barrie or Orillia for the interviews. The CYAC is in the process of securing safe, child-friendly locations across Simcoe Muskoka where forensic investigations can be conducted.

Members of the CYAC presented to members of the Nottawasaga OPP earlier today in an effort to educate officers, who will utilize the service for investigations. This victim-centred trauma focused approach creates a safe and neutral place for children and youth to tell their story.

"We are very fortunate to have the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre's new location available within our community. This will directly benefit children and youth who use the service, and will be a benefit to our investigations. We look forward to this new opportunity." - Acting Detective Sergeant Sarah Vance, Nottawasaga OPP Crime Unit

"The CYAC is excited to expand our services through a newly created mobile unit, ensuring that children and youth who have been physically or sexually abused, have a safe, supportive and collaborative response to their disclosures, closer to home" - Marg Schreurs, Executive Director, Child and Youth Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka

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