In his recently released single, “Powerless”, Juno award-winning Canadian rapper, Classified, says “I wish I could do more than just write a song.” And, his actions are speaking louder than words.
Classified recently released an acoustic video of “Powerless”, featuring an all-star cast of Nova Scotia musicians, including David Myles, Joel Plaskett, Rose Cousins and Breagh MacKinnon of Port Cities to increase awareness around the SeaStar Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and ultimately give a voice to children and youth who have suffered violence or abuse.
“We see the impact that SeaStar has for children and families every day. Together, we can make sure that no child feels ‘powerless’ because of what has happened to them,” says Dr. Amy Ornstein, Medical Director of the IWK’s Suspected Trauma and Abuse Response Team.
Many thanks to Classified, David Myles, and Breagh MacKinnon, and all the other artists involved. Together, we can make sure that no child feels powerless.
SeaStar Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC)
The first program of its kind in Atlantic Canada, the IWK’s SeaStar Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) is leading the region in improving response to childhood abuse and trauma. The centre is a welcoming, child and youth-friendly place where professionals work together as a multidisciplinary team to provide a coordinated and streamlined approach to a forensic interview, medical exam, mental health services, court support and preparation, Accredited Facility Dog support, and personalized follow up — all in one familiar, comfortable location.
The philosophy of this approach is simple – it puts the child at the centre of care by providing them access to the services and supports that will help them in their healing journeys. Each family is assigned a Child and Youth Advocate that helps that child and family navigate the process from the beginning to end, ensuring they always have access to consistent, friendly and non-judgmental support.
SeaStar serves a portion of the investigations of physical and sexual assault involving child welfare and law enforcement within HRM. Due to the program’s current limited capacity, we know that this represents only a fraction of the children and youth in our region that could benefit from SeaStar’s integrated approach.
“This integrated approach is becoming the standard of care across Canada. We are so proud of the incredible work being done within the SeaStar CYAC and the day–to–day difference it is making in the lives of our patients and their families. We are so grateful that donors believe in this program,” says Dr. Amy Ornstein, Medical Director, IWK Suspected Trauma and Abuse Response Team (START).
Since opening in 2012, SeaStar has helped more than 1,100 children and youth who have experienced trauma.
Visit www.seastarcyac.ca for more information.
