Engaging youth to create a culture of understanding, action and resiliencey to prevent childhood maltreatment

This poster will provide an overview of the Youth Champion Initiative developed at the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre (SKCAC). This project was initiated by the SKCAC Education Committee, comprised of multiple... [ view full abstract ]

This poster will provide an overview of the Youth Champion Initiative developed at the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre (SKCAC). This project was initiated by the SKCAC Education Committee, comprised of multiple community stakeholders, to engage youth leaders to embrace healthy relationships, promote awareness of trauma and its impact and advocate for safe, supportive school-community environments. High school students from eight Calgary and area school jurisdictions are taking action to create a culture of understanding, support and resiliency within their school-community.

Taking an evidence-informed approach, the SKCAC’s Youth Champion Initiative aligns with the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Headstrong Program. This framework includes 4 components:
• Contact-based education – providing youth opportunities to interact with individuals who have first-hand experience with varying aspects of childhood maltreatment.
• Youth forums – organized events for all the champions to expand their learning, create action plans and strategize together to take meaningful messages back to their school-communities.
• School-based activities – students lead the development and delivery of their action plans in their school-community.
• A whole-school approach – encouraging and supporting entire school-communities to foster safe, supportive environments.

This poster will demonstrate the impact of youth empowerment to promote healthy relationships, resilient communities and prevent child maltreatment.