Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre is Here to Help

If you or a loved one have experienced child abuse, the Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre has resources to help you through the process.

They provide a neutral, safe, and child friendly space where child abuse investigations are hosted.

The Centre works with Windsor Police Service, LaSalle Police Service, Essex County O.P.P., Children’s Aid Society, Windsor Regional Hospital and the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.

“We want people to know that we are here,” said Centre President, Lynda Ware. “We provide support for all of Windsor and Essex County.”

The Centre’s Executive Director, Michelle Oake, says that the Centre is there to help families navigate the complex child abuse system and the support services in place.

“We are one of only 32 child advocacy centres in Canada,” said Oake. “In the United States, there are over 900 Child Advocacy Centres.”

The Windsor Essex Child Youth Advocacy Centre is located at the Health Science Toldo Building on St. Clair College Campus and will provide transportation to anyone needing their services.

When a child abuse report is received, they provide long-term support services to children and make appropriate referrals to their community partner organizations.

“We believe that kids should only have to tell their story once,” said Ware.

Camillia DiPasquale, one of WECYAC’s Child Advocates, is photographed in the Centre waiting for a family to arrive.

The centre has been in operation since October, 2018 and they’ve supported 933 clients within that time period. As a result over 500 charges have been laid.

“We see an increase in cases each year,” said Oake.

Since all concerns of child abuse must be reported through the Children’s Aid Society, and all emergencies must be reported by calling 911, the centre works closely with their community partners to ensure these investigations are conducted efficiently.

“By attending WECYAC, we can ensure that your child’s trauma is appropriately managed throughout the investigation intervention/treatment,” Oake added. For Lynda Ware, it’s about community engagement. The Centre is a registered charitable organization and they work on about a $200,000 annual budget, of which the Federal government provides partial funding at this point in time.

They rely on local fundraisers for the rest. Last fall, they held a Ladies New-To-You Sale at the Riverside Sportsman’s Club and plans are in the works for a plantables event this spring.

You can also donate to the centre by logging on to their website at wecyac.ca or sending a cheque to WECYAC, 2000 Talbot Rd. West, Suite 3304, Mailbox 12, Windsor, ON N9A 6S4.

The Centre is very active on social media with their Facebook account being @WECYAC, while Twitter and Instagram can be found @WE_CYAC.