YRCCS is a co-located, coordinated single access point for services within York Region to meet the needs of those affected by intimate partner violence and sexual violence through an integrated, holistic access to services. The goal of this model is to enhance coordinated service delivery through co-locating a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and to improve access to needed services in one central location without having individuals retell their experiences. YRCCS is unique in its position as a conduit for individuals to be connected to justice and community supports and services.

Women dealing with intimate partner violence/domestic violence and sexual violence face 3 key challenges when needing to access the system of services available to them (survivors are often unsure exactly what it is they need):

1. If they can identify specifically what type of help they need, they may not know who provides it, or where to go to get it.
2. Once they have identified where to go, getting there can be a problem because agencies can be spread out geographically.
3. They have to tell their story multiple times.

Once connected to YRCCS, survivors are supported through our holistic case management. Referrals are specific to the survivor’s needs, i.e. police advice, housing, employment and social assistance, financial literacy, counselling support, legal aid. Through YRCCS, clients access needed services without having to retell their stories. YRCCS fosters the appropriate environment so that frontline service providers build relationships that lead to trust and benefit clients. This service provides a unique model for collaboration that serves to enhance the safety and well-being of survivors.

We provide the following main supports to survivors:

1. Safety Planning

Safety planning is a daily activity and occurs with every interaction with a client referred to YRCCS. Safety planning is done for individuals who are living with abusers, planning to leave and those who have left.

2. Case Management

Intakes and assessments are conducted daily. Survivors experience reduced stress and trauma when receiving wraparound supports in one location. Their specific needs will be addressed through referrals to needed services.

3. Streamlined Access to Justice

A detective from the Intimate Partner Violence unit is onsite at YRCCS to be able to offer police advice, take reports or video statements; courthouse supports (Victim/Witness Assistance Program worker) are available onsite and survivors can discuss their cases while being supported by YRCCS staff.

4. Case Conferences

YRCCS case management team have case conferences with a survivor’s service providers to further support or advocate for the survivor’s needs, i.e. child welfare, Ontario Works.