A full year in Barrie for the Child Advocacy Centre Simcoe Muskoka

The Child Advocacy Centre Simcoe/Muskoka is celebrating its first year at their Barrie Centre. CACSM’s Louise Jones began the celebration Wednesday with news from the Barrie Chamber of Commerce. “I found out at a news conference this morning that we were chosen for the top three, for the non-profit business award,” said Jones.

Happy 1st Anniversary of your Barrie Centre @ChildAdvocacySM, who found out today they have been shortlisted for a @BarrieChamber non-profit award #Barrie #Simcoe #Muskoka. pic.twitter.com/P9m8Rnt3ng

— Barrie 360 (@Barrie360) October 10, 2018

CACSM Executive Director Tracey Carter was emotional when sharing their successes and struggles. “Thank you to all of our partners, it’s so critically important. We couldn’t do it alone, thank you,” said Carter.

Smudging Ceremony with Tracey Carter, Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Centre and Hillary Clermont of Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services.

“We couldn’t make it work every single day if it were not for our partners like Soldiers’ Memorial hospital, with our medical and counselling teams.”

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”I’m so privileged to have this team of child and youth advocates that show up every day and work with these kids.”[/perfectpullquote]

Carter says youth in this community are in need of help right now. She says part of what they do is educate the public about the fact that children are abused in this community. Carter says we all have a responsibility to help these kids.

Moose the COPE dog is helping in a big way

Moose, a COPE service Dog is now helping children and youth as they walk through the doors of CACSM Barrie

About the CACSM

Child and Family Advocate Tanya Alfieri says the centre is a neutral, confidential safe space that’s used by forensic investigators who meet children, youth and families. Alfieri says the space gives the most vulnerable children and youth an opportunity to share their stories.

Alfieri says the addition of Moose, a COPE service dog, has been incredibly beneficial. “Children and youth are greeted by his calming smile as soon as they walk in.”

Facts About Child Abuse

A child is abused every day in Simcoe-Muskoka.
1-3 girls will be sexually abused before adulthood
1-5 males will be sexually abused before turning 18
There are more than 300 investigations of physical and sexual abuse each year in Simcoe/Muskoka.
Tags: barrie, Child Youth Advocacy Centre Simcoe Muskoka,

Help Them, Help Kids

CACSM is asking for help from the community. They have launched the Hope for Holidays giving campaign – to help fund its abuse prevention program.