In early June, leaders and partners from Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (CYACs) across Ontario gathered in Niagara for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection. Hosted by the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara, the meeting provided an opportunity to share emerging practices, discuss common challenges, and strengthen relationships across the provincial network.

The conference featured a range of informative breakout sessions that reflected both the opportunities and challenges facing CYACs today. Participants explored topics including remote testimony, the growing role of facility dogs in supporting children and youth, fundraising fundamentals, board governance, trauma-sensitive yoga, and collaboration with Crown Attorneys. These sessions provided practical tools, innovative ideas, and opportunities for meaningful discussion that attendees could bring back to their own communities.

Beyond the formal presentations, the meeting created space for honest conversations about service delivery, sustainability, and the evolving needs of children, youth, and families. As CYACs continue to grow across the province, opportunities to learn from one another have become increasingly valuable. Hearing how different centres approach common challenges reinforced that while our communities may differ, our commitment to child-centred, trauma-informed support remains the same.

One of the strongest themes throughout the gathering was collaboration. Participants openly shared successes, lessons learned, and promising practices, demonstrating the strength of a network built on trust and mutual support. The willingness of colleagues to exchange knowledge and resources is one of the greatest assets of the Ontario CYAC movement.

Many attendees commented not only on the quality of the presentations but also on the sense of connection fostered throughout the event. The opportunity to spend time together, build relationships, and support one another was a powerful reminder that none of this work is done in isolation.

Thank you to Brian Bratt, the planning committee, presenters, and participants for creating a meaningful and inspiring event. The ideas, partnerships, and conversations sparked in Niagara will continue to strengthen services for children, youth, and families across Ontario.