History

From the start, the Centre’s goal was to create a child-focused, child-friendly environment where sexually and physically abused children receive the caring and timely response they deserve.

Bringing the Centre to Niagara was a community-driven initiative that began in 1998. Early, strong support from Niagara leaders and fundraising volunteers achieved $750,000 from Niagara communities towards a capital campaign. The existing building on 8 Forster Street in St. Catharines was purchased and renovated. Operations began in September 2008 and is the first dedicated facility of its kind in Canada.

Modeled after more than 900 similar centres located throughout the United States, Child Advocacy Centre Niagara represents a cooperative effort among child protective agencies.

Before the CACN’s existence, children were required to relive the details of their abuse repeatedly, through interviews that could involve child protection workers, police officers, medical and mental health professionals, prosecutors and others. The trauma of visiting different professional offices and people creates a lasting, negative impact.

Today, Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara provides a friendly, caring team of professionals that work together to serve the best interests of the child.