News release
First child youth and advocacy centre to open in Chilliwack
September 18, 2025
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Chilliwack, British Columbia
From: Chilliwack RCMP
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Chilliwack, BC is excited to welcome it’s first Child Youth and Advocacy Centre (CYAC).
CYACs help ensure that children and their families receive compassionate support in the aftermath of abuse. A CYAC offers a safe, child-friendly environment where young victims can share their experiences or testify without fear or intimidation. We know that when children and youth are faced with difficult and sometimes traumatic experiences, they need a place where they feel heard, supported, and believed.
“This is more than just a building—it represents safety, hope, and healing for young people in our community. This centre brings together dedicated professionals, working side by side with a single purpose: to put children first. The work that will be done here will change lives, break cycles, and help young people move forward with resilience and hope.” says Cpl. Carmen Kiener of the Chilliwack RCMP
On average, the Chilliwack RCMP responds to 180 allegations of child abuse and maltreatment every year. Research has shown that children who have suffered abuse are:
- 30% less likely to graduate high school
- 3-4 times more likely to have mental health and addiction issues
- 26 times more likely to experience homelessness
- 45 times more likely to perpetrate and/or become victim to dating violence as adolescents.
In Canada, one in three children will experience some type of abuse by the time they are fifteen years old. Studies have shown that unresolved childhood trauma has a profound lifelong impact on children, families, and communities. With early identification and service adapted to their unique needs, children have remarkable capacity to heal from the abuse they experienced.
“We are incredibly proud to see this centre become a reality, but this is only the beginning. The need for this kind of support in our community is significant. Over time, we hope to expand out services to continue to meet increasing demands. They say ‘if you build it they will come’, this is our hope.” says. Cpl. Kiener.
Back ground
In May of 2020, the Chilliwack RCMP identified a gap in services regarding child sexual assault investigations and the urgent need for a trauma-informed interview room.
The Chilliwack RCMP met with Chilliwack partner agencies including Chilliwack Community Services to assess the feasibility of establishing a CYAC for the community. Together, they outlined the structure of the CYAC, emphasizing the urgent need for a trauma-informed environment equipped with resources tailored to young victims of abuse.
Through joint efforts, funding was secured to complete a feasibility study, culminating in a single commitment from the Department of Justice in April 2023, to provide funding for the development and implementation of a CYAC in Chilliwack. In May of 2025 funding was secured to officially launch the Chilliwack CYAC which will be spearheaded by Chilliwack Community Services in collaboration with the Chilliwack RCMP and Child Protection.
The police interview room
Previously, victims would give statements in their local detachment, such as the Chilliwack RCMP detachment.
“It can be intimidating for a child to walk into a police station, sit in a sterile interview room and talk about something traumatic they’ve experienced,” says Corporal Tobi Araki of the Chilliwack RCMP. “That’s why the CYAC is so important, it’s designed to be a safe, supportive environment where young people can feel more at ease. We hope this is a meaningful step toward breaking down barriers and ensuring every child feels heard and safe.”
Two interview rooms are available at the Chilliwack CYAC. The rooms are designed to be welcoming, calming and comfortable in order to collect an accurate victim statement that meets investigative and court standards. The rooms are dedicated for children, but are also offered to victims of trauma who would rather not provide a statement in the police station. Also, by interviewing survivors at the CYAC in consultation with other agencies, they are only having to tell their story once.
Moving Forward
Child and Youth Advocacy Centres began emerging in Canada in 2012. Now there are 12 independent child and youth centres operating or in development that are part of a larger network of CYAC’s in communities across British Columbia. Each centre functions under a unique model, depending on the needs of their community, and rely on government and community funding to succeed. They all share the same goal of supporting children and their families, because they deserve our very best. Chilliwack is very excited to be part of this growing network.
“Collaboration is a fundamental principle of all CYAC’s helping to reduce system-induced trauma.” says Jennifer Campbell, advocacy coordinator for Chilliwack Community Services. “By coordinating relevant services and providing a safe, child-friendly space, CYAC programs ensure that the voices and needs of the children and youth are heard and supported-laying the foundation for healing”.
