Child & Youth Advocacy Centre Simcoe/Muskoka

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

If a child turned to you today, would you know what to do?

Safe to Tell is a community education initiative from the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre of Simcoe/Muskoka that will help ordinary people become the trusted adults children need, and we need your support to make it a reality!

Through free workshops, practical resources and community partnerships, we will teach parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, volunteers and neighbours how to recognize warning signs of abuse and exploitation, respond safely when a child shares something concerning, and connect children with the right support. Young people will help shape the resources because adults need to understand what children actually need when they ask for help.
We will bring this education into accessible community spaces, including libraries and other gathering places, with a focus on communities where distance and limited services can make finding help harder.
This isn’t about turning everyone into a child protection expert. It’s about making sure more adults know how to listen, believe, protect and act.
Because the next child who needs help could turn to any one of us.
Let’s make sure we’re ready.

You can show your support for our project application here: https://leaf.thecommonwell.ca/projects/safe-to-tell-it-takes-courage-to-speak-up-it-shouldnt-take-
luck-to-be-heard/
You can support by providing a comment, photo or story to our project page. Every single one helps!!

10/14/2026

October is Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Understanding Child Abuse: What is physical abuse?

At the CYACSM our multidisciplinary team coordinates with professionals in a trauma-informed child friendly space ensuring children get the care they need under one roof.

If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse, call your local child protection service or emergency line. You don’t need proof, just reasonable suspicion.

10/13/2026

The CYAC has submitted a grant application to the Commonwell L.E.A.F. Initiative:

Imagine a child finally finding the courage to tell someone they’re being hurt.
They turn to a teacher. A coach. A neighbour. Maybe even you.
Would you know what to say? Would you recognize the warning signs? Would you know how to help?

For a child experiencing abuse, exploitation or violence, the response of one trusted adult can make an extraordinary difference.
It takes courage for a child to speak up. It shouldn’t take luck to be heard.

Safe to Tell is a community education initiative from the Child Advocacy Centre of Simcoe/Muskoka that will help ordinary people become the trusted adults children need. Through free workshops, practical resources and community partnerships, we will teach parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, volunteers and neighbours how to recognize warning signs of abuse and exploitation, respond safely when a child shares something concerning, and connect children with the right support. Young people will help shape the resources because adults need to understand what children actually need when they ask for help.
We will bring this education into accessible community spaces, including libraries and other gathering places, with a focus on communities where distance and limited services can make finding help harder.
This isn’t about turning everyone into a child protection expert. It’s about making sure more adults know how to listen, believe, protect and act.
Because the next child who needs help could turn to any one of us.
Let’s make sure we’re ready.

You can show your support for our project application here: https://leaf.thecommonwell.ca/projects/safe-to-tell-it-takes-courage-to-speak-up-it-shouldnt-take-luck-to-be-heard/
Every comment, photo, share and story helps!! 🫶🏼

10/13/2026

Clocked in to be everyone’s favourite coworker and make everyone’s day a little brighter 🐶✨🐾❤️

10/12/2026

Please be advised our office will be closed Monday October 12th for the Holiday, we will resume normal operations on Tuesday October 13th!

10/10/2026

Healing is not linear, but no young person has to walk it alone.
October 10th is World Mental Health Day. At the CYACSM, mental health isn’t a separate step in our work, it is truly central in everything we do.

When a child or youth experiences abuse, trauma or distress, safety is step one in what can be a lengthy process of healing. Long-term healing requires specialized, trauma-informed care tailored to unique needs.

Our team of professionals is there to walk alongside children, youth and their families every step of the way.

10/09/2026

October is Child Abuse Prevention Month and we are going blue to send a message to every child: You are believed. You are not alone.

When an investigation is launched and interviews take place, the CYACSM is here as a safe space for children, youth and their families to meet with Police, Child Protection and other professionals. Swipe to learn what actually happens at a CYAC during a visit.

10/08/2026

An evening worth celebrating!
On September 23rd, we came together at the MacLaren Art Centre to celebrate another year of supporting children, youth and families across Simcoe Muskoka. We are so grateful for our incredible staff, partners, Board, volunteers and community supporters who make this work possible.

Together, we continue to make a difference. 🫶🏼

We celebrated and recognized some remarkable people and partners through annual awards:

Courage Award: Holly Paddock, South Simcoe Police
Together Award: Regional Centre for Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (RCSCAN)
Voice Award: CYACSM Youth Advisory Team
Ripple Award: Meridian
Jim D***s Allyship: Jim D***s

Also a huge thank you to our Indigenous Advocate Mackenzie Taylor (Mackenzie) for the hand painted paddles for our awards they were so incredibly meaningful, showing that no one should have to navigate challenging waters alone.

10/08/2026

No matter the angle, our facility dog Marion is stunning 🤩

From supporting children & youth, to serving face Marion can do it all 🎉