About Us
Established in 1976 and incorporated in 1999, the Community Child Abuse Council is a federally registered, charitable, community-based organization. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and derive our revenues through a combination of government funding, foundation grants, private donations, and fund development activities.
The Council provides professional assessment and treatment services, as well as prevention and educational programs, for children and youth in our community who have suffered sexual abuse, and provides support to their families. We offer services to children, youth, parents and caregivers in an accessible, comfortable, confidential, safe and supportive environment where our professional staff help individuals and families deal with their concerns. Our primary goal is the provision of a psychologically and physically safe and secure environment that promotes healing from trauma and education about trauma, child abuse and its impact. Our catchment area for services extends across Greater Hamilton and surrounding area including Niagara, Haldimand Norfolk, and Brant Counties.
Presently the Council's programs and services focus on three areas:
- Professional Treatment:
Professional Treatment: comprehensive assessment and specialized individual and family treatment for sexually victimized children and youth ages 2 to 18, for children with sexual behaviour problems including sibling incest; support to non-offending parents/caregivers and families; mental health outreach program addressing the unique needs of immigrant and refugee children, youth, and their families who have experienced trauma in another country, while on their journey to Canada, or while in Canada. - Education and Support:
For both professionals as well as the broader public about child abuse and trauma, e.g., Training Internship Program for professionals; educational forums; Parent Support Group for parents dealing with a disclosure of a child's sexual abuse or victimization - Prevention:
Initiatives that promote child safety and build healthier communities e.g., award winning school-based abuse and violence prevention programs
The Council's programs and services have been developed in direct response to the needs of our community. We deliver high level services for child and youth victims of sexual abuse, and treatment programs grounded in evidence-based research and reflecting best practices in the field.
The Council also raises awareness of child abuse in our community, building community relations and support to help us realize our vision of a community free of child abuse. The goal is to find ways to get the message out, to get people involved, and to expand our services - we just have to be able to help more children. To accomplish this, we are engage community leaders, undertake community campaigns, and seek the support and assistance of like-minded partners. Our strategic plan for community engagement also includes educational messages and community dialogue, along with regular Community Briefings. We are currently planning for a Community Dialogue on Child Abuse to engage and involve more local citizens in a broader discussion about this serious community issue.
