Our Approach
We support children and youth in all phases of the healing process.
Please note: Reports of child abuse should not be made directly to the Luna Centre. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. Learn more
How We Work
Luna brings together experts from law enforcement, health, child intervention, education, the criminal justice system, and victim services, who work together as one team from one location. That makes it easy to share information and resources and to provide a coordinated response. We are a safe, comfortable space for children and youth to share their experiences. We respond quickly with support and access to resources that children, youth and families need to heal.
Our process includes several stages:
Advocacy
As advocates, we elevate the issue of child abuse, identify the needs and gaps in services and support, 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 specially trained forensic interviewers from police and Luna. All forensic interviews are monitored and recorded, and provide evidence that is needed to proceed with criminal charges and often in court proceedings. Recording of the interview also reduces the number of times a child needs to recount their experiences of abuse.
Medical
The medical team at Luna 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.
Victim Services
We offer a comfortable, friendly space in which information, resources, and guidance can be shared. Our wraparound support is enhanced with a variety of specialized victim support programs and services, including:
Being a consistent point of contact for children and families
Caring support from a Child Life Specialist
Making connections to community resources
Helping families navigate the criminal justice system
Providing court support, including remote testimony
Comfort and support from our Facility Dogs
Therapy
Alberta Health Services Child Abuse Service is an 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 Service also provides therapeutic assessment and treatment for children age 11 or younger who are engaging in sexualized behaviour.
To refer, call Child Abuse Service at 403-428-5320.
Prevention
The supportive intervention Luna provides is preventative in that we ensure enough protective factors and 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 keeping children safe, and that is everyone’s responsibility. Luna is committed to sharing knowledge and expertise in order to build engaged communities where everyone understands and plays their role in preventing child abuse.
