Review of the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Counselling Program in Ontario

Abstract

<p>This summary, commissioned by Justice Canada, presents the findings of a review of Ontario’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Counselling Program. The ICE Counselling Program is funded by the Government of Ontario and facilitated by Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Boost CYAC). The Program provides referrals and funding for short-term counselling of victims of online child sexual exploitation (CSE) and their impacted family members (IFMs). The Program was established in 2010 as part of Ontario's Strategy To Combat Internet Crimes Against Children and remains the only one of its kind in Canada.</p> <p>The review took place between May 2021 and February 2022. Former clients, their non-offending IFMs, counsellors, and ICE Counselling Program administrators participated in the review, which sought to understand the impact of the Program. The review aims to learn from their experiences to gather suggestions and recommendations.</p>