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The Consortium exists to increase awareness of AFCCA across Canada, to amplify the voices of youth and their families, and to mobilize knowledge in ways that affects policy, systems, services, research, and professional practice to improve the lives of youth experiencing AFCCA and their families.

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understanding who we are

The National Consortium on AFCCA was formed in 2021 in response to a growing urgency surrounding the issue of AFCCA and the resulting impacts to family safety and family preservation. With 20+ participating partners, agencies, researchers, service providers, and policy leaders, we started with a core desire to consider how best to improve outcomes for Canadian children, their families, and their communities. We were guided by the experiences and insights from 100+ parents, caregivers, youth, and siblings who bravely shared their stories with us.

The Consortium continues to bring together diverse perspectives, including the voices of families and individuals with direct lived experience, researchers, clinicians, and community partners, to increase understanding and support for families, reduce stigma, and to raise awareness across Canada.

We envision a Canada where the impact of AFCCA is reduced, families are understood, and supports and services are easily accessible for the well-being of the whole family.

Learn More About Us >

our resources

EDUCATION

Educational guides provide families and individuals interested in understanding AFCCA with easy to understand information, based on findings and insights from evidence-based research and programs. Find infographics and guides developed for youth experiencing AFCCA, parents and caregivers, siblings, and professionals.

See Educational Materials >

WEBINARS

These on-demand webinars explore insights about AFCCA, and related topics, from a variety of perspectives including research, family supports, and potential clinical interventions.

Discover Webinars >

STATISTICS, RESEARCH, AND REPORTS

Canadian-led AFCCA research is in early stages. Our ongoing research partnerships are raising visibility to the critical need for additional research, and closing the gap between research and practice to directly improve outcomes for families. Published international data provides a longer-term view to understanding AFCCA.

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download the reports

Building Understanding to Improve Outcomes for Families is the result of a national consultation with Canadian families, youth, researchers, and professionals in 2021. Read the full report for everything we’ve learned from those with lived experiences. The accompanying reports provide a proposed policy framework to improving systemic barriers, and an operational definition for practitioners supporting families.

hear our stories

  • Sam & Michelle's Story

    Sam & Michelle's Story

    ‘‘It took a lot of advocacy, a lot of me yelling when my voice wasn’t heard”.

  • Mia & Nikki's Story

    Mia & Nikki's Story

    “The more we tried to bond with her, the more she tried to push away”.

  • Jordan & Lisa's Story

    Jordan & Lisa's Story

    “Really the solution is not difficult when we all just sort of flip our thinking to keeping that child in focus…”