ABOUT THE CCAA
The Canadian Court Preparation and Advocacy Association (CCAA), formed in 1985, has been a leading force in preparing children and youth for the courtroom experience for more than 40 years. From the outset, we established a collaborative network of skilled professionals— social workers, police officers, Crown Prosecutors, child welfare intervention workers, and mental health practitioners—to create a highly specialized program grounded in professional best practices. Our primary focus is on the young people who have been impacted by crime by reducing the stress of the legal process while helping to improve their ability to provide sound testimony. Alongside this critical work with children and youth, we empower caregivers to support young witnesses with confidence and care. Our high-quality training offered for professionals outside our agency supports then to work with young witnesses with skill and sensitivity. Through advocacy, education, and dedicated court preparation services, the CCAA continues to support children, youth, and their caregivers with the trusted expertise and compassion they deserve.
Canadian Court Preparation and Advocacy Association
CCAA Mission Statement
We are committed to placing children, youth and families at the heart of everything we do. Working together to Foster fair and compassionate justice, to ease the burden of the court process, and to share knowledge through professional training that brings hope, healing, and lasting change.
Online Court Prep
The Online Web Based Child Witness Court Preparation Program was developed to respond to the needs of child witnesses who may be required to testify in court. Inadequate preparation may result in further trauma to a child and their family and may compromise the court process.
For children and teens living in rural areas or those who do not have access to formalized programs, they can arrange to be prepared individually online in real time at their convenience with an experienced facilitator.
This program represents a collaboration between Alberta Justice and Solicitor General and Public Security (Victim Services) and the CCAA – Canadian Court Preparation and Advocacy Association.
Program Highlights
Additional Information
Children, Youth & Families Benefit from:
Criminal Justice Professionals Benefit from:
Referrals are received from the Calgary & Area Child Advocacy Centre, police, Crown Prosecutors, child welfare intervention workers, therapists, teachers, parents or guardians. However, referrals from other sources may also be considered.
Please contact us at info@ccaa.org or (403) 289-8385 for more information about the Child Witness Court Preparation Program.
THE CCAA’S COURT PREPARATION CONTENT FEATURES
Possible Court Fears
Breathing & Relaxation
Court Roles
Court Roles
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Helping A Child
Individuals can make a donation through Canada Helps to support this work, or reach out directly to the CCAA to learn more about current volunteer opportunities and how they can get involved.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the spirit of respect and truth, CCAA wishes to take a step towards reconciliation by acknowledging traditional treaty land where we work. CCAA acknowledges the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy, comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). Moh’kins’tsis, named by the Blackfoot, meaning “Where the Bow River meets the Elbow” is home to home to many Indigenous, Metis and Inuit people.
