Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

75% of child abuse files at Luna are addressed collaboratively by 2 or more members of our Multi-Disciplinary Team. Morning Triage meetings are held four times a week to go over new casefiles, and assign them to our partner agencies. By having these meetings, members of the Calgary Police Service, RCMP, Alberta Health Services, Victim Services and Children & Family Services have visibility to each casefile at Luna, and can provide more comprehensive feedback to determine the best approach for each file. Watch the video to learn more about our morning triage meetings.

Alberta’s diverse cultural landscape requires a nuanced approach to child abuse prevention. Understanding and respecting cultural differences can enhance our prevention strategies and support services. This Child Abuse Prevention Month, Child & Youth Advocacy Centre's are dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting children across all communities. We recognize that cultural sensitivities play a vital role in how abuse is perceived and addressed. This includes acknowledging various cultural practices, traditions, and beliefs while ensuring that all children have access to the protection and resources they need. By embracing cultural diversity, we can improve outreach, communication, and support for families from different backgrounds. Key points to consider: • Cultural Awareness: Different cultures may have varying perspectives on discipline, mental health, and family dynamics. It’s essential to approach these topics with an open mind and respect for diverse viewpoints. • Language and Communication: Providing resources and support in multiple languages can help bridge gaps and foster understanding among families. • Community Involvement: Engaging community leaders and organizations enhances trust and promotes effective prevention strategies tailored to specific cultural needs. This Child Abuse Prevention Month—and every day—let’s strive to build a society where every child is safe, supported, and valued, no matter their cultural background. 💙

Happy Halloween, from the team at Luna! 🎃 For those of you taking your ghosts and ghouls out trick or treating tonight, we've prepared a few safety tips to ensure tonight's festivities stay fun! 👻 It‘s cold out there! Remember to dress warmly. Spending a couple hours outside trick or treating could result in getting sick, so make sure you layer up this year! 👻 Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 10, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends. 👻 Ensure your children are trick or treating in groups. Having a few friends to go door-to-door with makes the evening safer. 👻 Remember that it‘s dark outside. Don’t criss-cross back and forth across the street. Work your way up one side of the street, and then start on the other. 👻 Remind your kids not to eat any of their treats before they get home. Once home, ask them to look through their treats with you to make sure everything is okay to eat. 👻 Discuss in advance the route your kids are taking and how long they‘ll be out for. Ask them to call home if they plan to go on a street that isn’t on the route, or if they‘re staying out later than you discussed with them. Stay warm out there!

A child or youth’s peers often understand what they are going through better than any adult ever will. It’s important for friends, peers and classmates to understand their role in preventing abuse. If a peer discloses they’re being abused by an adult or peer, a child or youth should tell a trusted adult immediately. Even though it’s difficult, and may often go against the request of their friend or classmate, telling an adult is the right thing to do. Learn how to recognize, report and respond to abuse here: https://lnkd.in/g7CniNXq

Caregivers play a central role in preparing kids to navigate both in-person and online encounters, as well as fostering the development of their child’s resiliency. A child’s success is heavily influenced by the age at which the conversations on the subject begin and the nature of the guidance their caregivers provide. Starting conversations about what to do if a child encounters an uncomfortable situation, or is affected by abuse, is an important one to have, as well as reinforcing that you’re always there for them when they need you. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gMJgXVjx

Children and youth often find it easier to talk to teachers and school staff than to other adults in their lives. This gives schools a big role in recognizing, reporting and responding to abuse. Knowing what to look for and having the confidence to act when you suspect abuse are key. Luna's new "Recognizing, Reporting, and Responding to Abuse in Schools" video will help school staff navigate suspicions of abuse and how to move forward. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gEVyrgmi

Have you seen the Calgary Tower lit up in blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month? #GoBlue Day highlighted our collective voice, all across the province, and beyond! Child abuse is preventable, and everyone has a role to play. Together we can put an end to child abuse. One thing we will continue to highlight is that #GoBlue is not just limited to the month of October. #GoBlue is every day of every month, and we all need to play our roles to keep children safe in our communities. 💙Visit www.Lunacentre.ca/goblue to learn more.

The team at Luna wears blue for many reasons, but it all boils down to supporting the children, youth and families who come through our doors. We wear blue to show children we're here to listen and to support them on their healing journeys. Today the Luna team, and our agency partners, signed our Child Abuse Prevention Pledge and took the opportunity to reflect on our purpose and why we continue to do the important work we do in our communities. Why are you wearing blue for #GoBlue Day? Visit lunacentre.ca/goblue to learn more.

Today is #GoBlue Day, recognized across Alberta and beyond as a day to stand in solidarity with children, youth and families impacted by abuse. By wearing blue today, you're showing children they are not alone, and that you're there for them. Let's create a wave of blue across Alberta, and make a statement that child abuse is preventable! Visit lunacentre.ca/goblue to learn more.

Tomorrow is #GoBlue Day, and to share what Calgarians can do to get involved, Luna's CEO, Karen Orser, was interviewed on CTV Morning Live to talk about Child Abuse Prevention Month and the #GoBlue campaign. Watch Karen's interview here: https://lnkd.in/g-cFkpAf