6 days ago
Opinion: Abused children need a co-ordinated, compassionate response
Child abuse is one of the most serious and widespread challenges facing children and families in Alberta today. It knows no boundaries — affecting communities of every size, culture, and socioeconomic background. The consequences are far-reaching, increasing the risk of long-term physical and mental-health issues, and creating lasting social and economic impacts.
But as profound as the harm can be, so too is the power of a compassionate, co-ordinated response. When a child discloses abuse, what happens next is critical. That first experience with the system can either deepen their trauma or begin their path to healing.
For over two decades, Alberta's Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (CYACs) have stood as our province's strongest response to child abuse by supporting children and families, addressing abuse in all its forms, and helping build communities where young people are safe.
It all began in Edmonton in 2002 with the introduction of the Zebra Centre, Alberta's — and Canada's — first CYAC. It marked a turning point in how child abuse was addressed. CYACs broke down silos between systems by bringing them together as one team, enabling professionals to share information, expertise, and resources in real time in a child-friendly environment. Today, Alberta is home to nine CYACs, serving communities from High Level to Lethbridge.
Before CYACs, children who disclosed abuse had to navigate complex systems that operated in isolation. This meant they often had to recount their trauma multiple times to different professionals, in different locations, with little co-ordination or trauma-informed support. This fragmented approach not only increased the risk of further emotional harm, but also weakened investigations, delayed justice, and eroded trust in protective systems.
CYACs were created to change that by bringing law enforcement, child protection, health care, mental health, justice, and victim services together as one team. This means children and families get a co-ordinated and fully integrated response, all in one safe and child-friendly space.
The result is more timely support that is tailored for each child and their caregivers. Investigations are more effective. The legal process is less overwhelming. And most importantly, children feel safe, heard, and supported.
But CYACs cannot rely on frontline collaboration alone. Their continued impact depends on a stable, provincewide commitment that includes all levels of government, every system that touches a child's life, and the communities they live in.
To provide the best support to children and families, CYACs need:
Continued commitment from law enforcement, health, education, social services, and justice to working together to share information, close gaps, and act as one co-ordinated team.
Stable and sustainable funding from federal, provincial, and municipal governments — these are not 'nice-to-have' services, they are essential.
Stakeholder input by community partners, Indigenous organizations, and cultural leaders to help shape services that are safe, inclusive, and accessible to every child.
All Albertans to stay engaged. Whether through advocacy, volunteering, fundraising, or learning how to recognize and report abuse, everyone has a role to play.
Thousands of Alberta's children and youth experience abuse each year, and for every case reported, many go unseen. We cannot return to fragmented responses— the stakes are too high. Every delay, every silo, every time a child must retell their trauma carries consequences. These are failures we cannot afford to repeat.
Let Alberta continue to lead by example. Let every child in our province know there is a place where they are safe, protected, and never alone. And let every child and family affected by child abuse, no matter where they live, have access to the critical support of a CYAC.
Karen Orser is CEO of Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Calgary.
Emmy Stuebing is CEO of Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Edmonton.
Luna and Zebra alone helped over 9,000 children and youth last year. They are part of a larger network of nine CYACs across Alberta, and more than 40 across Canada.
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