Report: Alberta needs multi-sectoral strategy to address low child, youth well-being rankings

At Luna, we couldn’t agree more with the recent report and subsequent news coverage highlighting the need for long-term strategies, consistent and stable funding, and coordinated multi-sectoral approaches between governments, provincial ministries, and community partners to improve the health and well being of children and youth.

In response to the report from UCalgary's School of Public Policy, the Ministry of Children and Family Services responded in part by saying, “We also support Child and Youth Advocacy Centres, which take a collaborative approach with various government departments (including the ministries of Children and Family Services, Mental Health and Addiction, Health, Justice, and Public Safety and Emergency Services), along with law enforcement agencies and community partners working together to ensure children and youth experiencing abuse can get the support they need in their healing journey.”

We are encouraged by our provincial government's recognition of models already in place in Alberta such as Child and Youth Advocacy Centres. CYACs, like Luna, are prime examples of how multi-sectoral collaboration can lead to effective and comprehensive support systems for our most vulnerable children and youth, while also optimizing resources across sectors.

As we move forward, it is imperative that the government continue to support existing collaborative models. By leveraging the strengths of our CYACs, we can ensure that children and youth in Alberta who have experienced abuse have access to the care and support they need to thrive.

We look forward to working closely with Searle Turton and the Alberta Government and other stakeholders to build on these successes and further enhance the well-being of children and youth across the province.

View the report here