Wrap a Van for a Cause!

Our 2024 Charity Van Champion!
Big Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre

Big Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Big Bear CYAC) provides a wrap-around and holistic approach to prioritizing children/youth’s needs when involved in the criminal justice system. Big Bear CYAC primarily receives referrals from Kamloops RCMP and child protective services in Kamloops; however, we have also received referrals from surrounding areas and rural communities – our approach involves coordinating and facilitating collaboration with law enforcement, child protection, medical and mental health professionals, school district, and victim support services when responding to all forms of child abuse (physical, sexual, neglect, emotional, witnessed violence, involved in trafficking or exploitation) for any child/youth aged 2 to 18 years. Big Bear CYAC opened its doors on May 1st/2021! Big Bear CYAC has a beautiful and welcoming space with a Family Room, a Child & Youth Room, and cozy meeting rooms that are filled with soft furniture, ‘Big Bear decor’ and snacks/refreshments so children, youth and their families can have conversations with Police, Child Protection, and/or Crown in a more comfortable space. Previously, children/youth went to the Police Station and the courthouse to share their painful stories with professionals, but now the professionals can come to Big Bear. At Big Bear – we help children and youth go at the pace they need in sharing their stories – the priority is them! Providing this single, child-friendly, trauma-informed and culturally safe space for young victims and their non-offending family members and/or caregivers, helps minimize system-induced trauma during investigations of child abuse. Big Bear CYAC aims to decrease gaps and barriers for this population by enhancing support, inclusivity and accessibility to services that promote long-term healing and well-being.