Our Approach
We support children and youth in all phases of the healing process.
How We Work
As a multidisciplinary team, we bring together experts from a variety of fields, who work together from one location. That makes it easy to share information and discuss cases. We are a safe, comfortable space. We respond quickly with support and access to resources that children, youth and families need to start healing.
Our process includes several stages:
Advocacy
As advocates, we elevate the issue of child abuse, identify the needs and gaps in services, and amplify the voices and experiences of children, youth and families so that we can influence policy and inform the systems and process that they interact with.
Assessment
Assessments can involve Children and Family Services, Calgary Police Service, RCMP and Alberta Health Services. We work with these partners to determine risk and the best way to handle individual cases of child abuse.
Once an assessment has been completed, children and families are connected to the appropriate resources for support.
Investigation
The first stage in an investigation is a forensic interview conducted by forensic interviewers from Calgary Police, Children and Family Services, RCMP and a Forensic Interview Specialist from Luna. The interview provides evidence that is needed to proceed with criminal charges.
Medical
The medical team will review each case of suspected abuse. They often consult with investigators to determine if an exam is needed. The exam can be an important part of the investigation because it can shed light on what happened to the child.
In cases where an exam is necessary, our Child Life Specialist will first explain the process using age-appropriate language and child-friendly versions of some of the medical equipment used.
Physicians can refer children for a medical assessment. Referral criteria can be found in the Alberta Referral Directory, using “Child Abuse Calgary” as your search term.
To refer call: 403-428-5301.
Prevention
The supportive intervention Luna provides is preventative in that we ensure enough protective factors and additional supports are in place to reduce the toxic stress that can be caused by ongoing trauma. In this way, we promote healthy development of critical executive functioning skills such as decision making, emotional regulation, mental flexibility, working memory, etc., and reduce the chances of chronic physical and mental health issues (and increase system costs) later in life.
Prevention is also about creating a community that takes responsibility for keeping children and youth safe. Luna is deeply committed to the prevention of child abuse by building awareness and knowledge, engaging the community, creating networks and alliances, enhancing the capacity of caregivers, and empowering children, youth and families. Our goal is to utilize and share our knowledge and expertise to build informed, involved communities where all children are safe.
Victim Services
We work to create warm, friendly spaces in which information, resources, and guidance can be shared. Our wraparound support is enhanced with a variety of additional intervention and prevention services, including:
Being a consistent point of contact
Support from our Child Life Specialist
Connecting children and families to community resources
Helping families navigate the criminal justice system
Providing court support
Support of our Facility Dogs
Therapy
We work with Alberta Health Services to determine the therapy best suited to you. Child Abuse Services is an AHS outpatient clinic that is housed within the Luna Centre. Children and youth who have experienced abuse can participate in therapeutic assessments and treatments. The primary treatment is trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy. The goal of treatment is to help children and their families move forward, past the abuse, in a healthy way.
Child Abuse Services also provides therapeutic assessment and treatment for children age 11 or younger who are engaging in problematic sexualized behaviour.
To refer, call Child Abuse Service at 403-428-5320.
