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Organization	Arctic Children and Youth Foundation
Region	Canada
Website	Website
Facebook	Facebook
Twitter	N/A
ProjectLeader	Christa Kunuk

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The Umingmak Centre provides best intervention for children and youth in Nunavut who have experienced abuse. It does this by 1) increasing access to good quality services 2) strengthening coping skills and knowledge 3) reducing the secondary trauma of an investigation 4) improving inter-agency coordination 5) strengthening skills and knowledge in professionals working with children and youth 6) improved collection of evidence

Challenge

Children and youth in Nunavut experience abuse and maltreatment at 10 times the rate of other Canadian children. Nunavut has the highest rates of child sexual abuse in Canada. According to the Feasibility Study, it was found that there was a lack of coordination between services, the location for interviewing was not child-friendly, there was a lack of timely referrals, and there was no support for families/caregivers. It was also found that there was a need for culturally specific services.

Long-Term Impact

The Umingmak Centre will decrease the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACES), decrease incidences of risky health-related behaviours, and decrease the impacts of systemic trauma. There will be resources dedicated to improving response and community outreach with an increased understanding of the big picture. It will also reduce the number of child abuse interviews and increase data collection.