The Calgary and Area Child Advocacy Centre (CCAC) provides hope, help, and healing for children, youth, and families who have experienced severe abuse. During this unknown and stressful time, they remain open - with protective measures in place - to provide essential services to children, youth, and their families.
“We know that the cancellation of school and daycares means children are at home with their families and, unfortunately, for some, home is not a safe place. At this time, it is important that we remain open to continue to serve children, youth, and families and help them through the services that we provide,” says Karen Orser, CEO, Calgary and Area Child Advocacy Centre.
While the reporting of abuse may decrease temporarily as children are at home and isolated from important protective factors such as school and their community, the CCAC expects to see an increase in caseloads through this pandemic. Families continue to struggle to cope.
The CCAC would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to look out for their neighbors and be natural supports to the kids in their communities. Child abuse is everyone’s issue. If you suspect that a child is at risk of abuse, it is not only a moral duty to report it - it is a legal duty. Your responsibility is simply to report suspicions or concerns, not prove them, and confidentiality is guaranteed.
If you are worried about a child, contact the following numbers:
Everyone copes with change and stress differently.
Reach out to these additional resources if you are needing assistance:
Every community in Alberta can work together to ensure children are heard and believed; the CCAC will always be present to provide support to the children and youth who need them the most.
The Calgary and Area Child Advocacy Centre is a non-profit organization. They work with partner organizations to provide wrap-around services to assess, investigate, intervene, and support survivors of child abuse while bringing offenders to justice. For more information, visit calgarycac.ca.
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