Established in 1976 and incorporated in 1999, the Community Child Abuse Council (CCAC) 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 CCAC 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 CCAC programs and services focus on three areas:

• Professional Treatment: comprehensive assessment and specialized treatment for child and youth victims of sexual abuse and their families to assist in trauma and abuse recovery
• 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

In 2007/2008 the Community Child Abuse Council made some big shifts. Fundamental changes to programming were made in direct response to the needs in our community and with much community consultation. The result has been the implementation of high level services for child and youth victims of sexual abuse, and treatment programs based pm evidence-based research and designed to reflect best practices in the field. In 2008 the Council also stepped up its efforts to raise awareness of child abuse in our community, and build 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 had to be able to help more children.  To accomplish this, we are engaging community leaders, undertaking a community campaign, and seeking the support and assistance of like-minded partners. Our strategic plan for this community engagement extends to 2010, with staged elements including an educational message and community dialogue over this time period.We issue regular Leadership Briefings in our local community and are facilitating a Community Dialogue on Child Abuse in the Fall.

Together, we can make big strides on behalf of abused children and their families who need our help.