Investing in CYACC is Investing in Children

A government resource: CYACC provides the federal government with a single national partner to address the urgent and complex issue of child and youth abuse offering a coordinated approach to policy, funding and practice across Canada.

National return on investment: Child abuse and neglect cost Canadians an estimated $23 billion annually in both short- and long-term impacts. By investing a fraction of that amount into national initiatives , the federal government will reduce costs for Canadians on short-term costs including child protection services, and long term costs associated with lost productivity, healthcare, and criminal justice involvement. These savings can be reinvested in other social priorities. For every dollar invested in CYACs, approximately $5.54 in social and economic value is created.

Investment in future prosperity: Canada is witnessing a global economic transition and the federal government is focused on the economy through nation-building projects. The greatest nation building investment a government can make is in its people and in particular the children and youth who represent Canada's future prosperity. A 2022 Social Return on Investment report released by the BC Network of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres, demonstrates that the CYAC model leads to well-being and quality of life improvements for children and families.

A way to reduce spending: CYACC represents an opportunity to support federal government efficiencies and operational savings, addressing the current patchwork of federal investments that support systems serving child and youth abuse victims including those provided through ad hoc grants provided by the Department of Justice Canada.

A commitment to Reconciliation: CYACs are an answer to Recommendation 16:40 of The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry which states: We call upon all governments to focus on the well-being of children and to develop responses to adverse childhood experiences that are culturally appropriate, and evidence-based. This may include, but is not limited to, services such as intervention and counselling for children who have been sexually and physically abused.

A commitment to social responsibility: In his Ministerial mandate letter, Prime Minister Carney focused on trade and economic challenges. The Prime Minister also emphasized that we must also remain true to Canadian values including “caring for the most vulnerable among us and strive for a better future for all”. Children and youth who are being abused are truly societies most vulnerable citizens. Staying true to our Canadian values means ensuring that we act as Canadians when it comes to ensuring social issues are prioritized alongside economic ones. Our future is interdependent on both.