Calgary & Area Child Advocacy Centre

The world has taken a pause. But child abuse hasn't. Being Trauma Aware: Making a difference in the lives of children and youth is now available for free online. As part of the CCAC’s efforts to recognize and prevent child abuse across the province, this first-of-its-kind online trauma-informed training program provides foundational knowledge essential to those working directly with children and youth, including social workers, teachers, police officers, doctors, sport c...oaches, etc. Being Trauma Aware is a 90-minute online program to teach practitioners how to provide improved support for those impacted by violence and abuse, ultimately creating a common language for all. Register now: https://calgarycac.ca/education/being-trauma-aware/ #CCAC #wellnesswednesday #beingtraumaaware #childabuse #onlinecourse #free #education #hope #help #healing

#BellLetsTalk Day is coming up on Thursday. We want to join in on the conversation...and have you share with your kids what it's all about. Here's a neat bingo card to add some self-care and conversation in your household. #CCAC #mentalhealth #talkTuesday #hope #help #healing

We join the conversation today, on #BellLetsTalk day later this week, and always. Mental Health is important. This is a great article from the folks at the Canadian Mental Health Association - sharing the difference in mental health and mental illness and then some great ways to add movement for mood. https://cmha.ca/blogs/move-for-your-mood... #SundayShareDay #mentalhealth #conversations #CCAC #yyc

In the past two years, Cybertip analysts have classified 305 reports as luring, an attempt made by offenders to gain access to children. Of those reports: * 39% involved victims 13 years old or under, with the youngest being 8 years old * 43% involved victims 1417 years old * 22% of incidents occurred on Facebook/Facebook Messenger... * 34% of incidents occurred on Instagram, Snapchat, or KIK Messenger * 9% of incidents occurred on an online gaming platform We share these stats not scare or worry you, or have you take these platforms away from children but rather to help you get informed. Check into what your kids are doing online and develop open conversations about being online. Learn more and get some tips here: http://ow.ly/Gvbt50Df9n5 #STATurday #CCAC #onlineluring #grooming #childabuse #education #yyc #community

Do you suspect that a child is being abused? As a community, we need to protect each otherespecially those who cannot protect themselves. Even though it may feel uncomfortable, saying something is always the right decision. COVID-19 has impacted the lives of children and their families around the world. Online schooling and physical distancing has significantly altered children’s support networks. ... Without the natural supports that school communities provide, Alberta’s vulnerable children are at greater risk of abuse and neglect. Reports of child abuse must be made to the following reporting sources: Calgary Police Service (403) 266-1234 Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS) Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or Text CONNECT to 686868 Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 Online Exploitation: cybertip.ca Or your local police/RCMP detachment. For more information please check out our resource guide: http://ow.ly/rhu650Df964 #CCAC #childabuse #dutytoreport #yyc #hope #help #healing

Here's a #MakeYourLifeEasierMonday Tip! Don't waste your day waiting at the bottle depot! Sign up to have SkipTheDepot pick up your bottles and cans for recycling and have the proceeds donated directly to us at the CCAC. Can you say WIN-WIN??!! ... You will receive a charitable tax receipt for the amount donated. (Thank you in advance) Click here to sign up: https://calgarycac.ca/donate/ #CCAC #skipthedepot #giveback #childabuse #hope #help #healing #yyc #yycliving #charity #donation #thankyou #calgarycac

It was #WKD (World Kindness Day) on Friday...and in the spirit of that and it being #SundayShareday we wanted to share this post from our friends & partners at CUPS Calgary. #DYK that we work together with CUPS for our P.O.S.T. Program? This prenatal outreach support program helps people who are faced with pregnancy and need additional help. Learn more at: www.calgarycac.ca ... #CCAC #ChildAbuse #yyc #post #cups #worktogether #hope #help #healing

This month we are learning more about sextortion. According to Cybertip.ca, the three most common forms of sextortion are: 1. Sextort for more sexual material - The offender will persuade the child or youth to send additional sexual material by threatening to share previously obtained content of the young person with members of their family or friends, or online. ... 2. Sextort for money - The offender threatens to share sexual material of child or youth if they do not send money. 3. Screen captures photos/videos - The child or youth, often unknowingly, has been screen recorded in a sexual act by the offender. These types of offenders are referred to as cappers. Once the capper obtains the material, they will often block or ignore the young person and move onto their next target. The sexual content is then shared online and exchanged with other offenders. Read more at our Alberta CAC's blog: http://ow.ly/pw8y50CjnDd #CCAC #AlbertaCAC #Sextortion #education #ThursdayThoughts #childabuse #yyc

#ShareSunday This great post and message from our team members at the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre. Child Abuse is a difficult subject that people don’t like to talk about, but the more we talk about it, the more conversations we have, the sooner as a society and as a community we will be able to make changes and put an end to this issue, Mark Jones, CEO.... Thank you rdnewsNOW - Everything Red Deer for sharing our story https://rdnewsnow.com//advocacy-centre-marking-child-abus/ #CCAC #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #GoBlueAB

#wewillremember #lestweforget #remembranceday

A large part of Prevention at the Calgary & Area CAC happens with our Pre-natal Outreach Support Team (POST). POST is a multidisciplinary team that works from a harm-reduction, client-centered and trauma-informed lens to provide early support for the most vulnerable and high-risk pregnant people. This past year, POST experienced a 55% increase in active files; Police were involved in 41% of cases; and 83% of clients increased their support system because of POST involvement.... See more in our Report to Community http://ow.ly/fLHR50BI4Fz #CCAC #childabusepreventionmonth #goblueab #prevention #STATurday

November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta! At the Calgary and Area CAC, we recognize this month and join the campaign of awareness not only within our own organization but also with fellow organizations around the city. Together we can Take A Stand and raise awareness about this community issue, and learn ways to help prevent it and support victims. ... Learn more from the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter: www.calgarywomensshelter.com #TakeAStand #EndAbuse #FVPM #FVPM2020 #Calgary #YYC #AB #WhereToTurn #GoPurpleAB #CCAC #childabuse

Thank you to the Honourable Naheed Nenshi & Members of City of Calgary Your Local Government for proclaiming October as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Calgary. We appreciate your support in raising awareness about child abuse and the important role communities can play in helping keep children and youth safe. #CCAC #childabusepreventionmonth #goblueab #prevention #yyc

October is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Child Advocacy Centres (CACs) across Alberta are coming together to raise awareness about child abuse and the important role communities can play in helping to keep children and youth safe. Child Advocacy Centres provide children and youth who have experienced abuse a safe space to share their story and receive the support and resources they need throughout the disclosure, investigation, and judicial process. Learn more about what ...is planned for this month here: http://ow.ly/PKur50BGy6L #childabusepreventionmonth #CCAC #prevention #goblueab

The Calgary CAC acknowledges the history of the Residential School system and recognizes the ongoing healing journey of the survivors and those who continue to be affected by the intergenerational trauma that still exists today. As we take this moment to remember the Indigenous children who did not survive, we also reaffirm our belief that each and every child matters, and we recommit to engaging in open and honest discussions about the history and impact of racism, so that ...we may continue to create a more diverse and inclusive environment here at the CCAC and in our community. #OrangeShirtDay, which is recognized each year on September 30th, is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project and Reunion events that took place in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in May 2013. At those events, Chief Justice Murray Sinclair challenged all of the participants to keep the reconciliation process alive as a result of the realization that every former student had similar stories about their experiences. As spokesperson for the Reunion group leading up to the events, former student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told her story of her first day at residential school when her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year old girl and never returned. Learn more here: www.orangeshirtday.org

#SundayShare from our friends at CUPS Calgary... Every day we take on the ordinary, sometimes challenging, tasks of work, school, parenting, relationships, and just managing our busy lives. How do we navigate these tasks successfully? And what can send us off course? Science offers an explanation. ... Check out this 5-minute video from the experts of the Harvard Center on the Developing Child which explores the development and use of core capabilities. http://ow.ly/dBjh50BzD6X #CCAC #CUPS #YYC #share #bettertogether

We shared a cute letter yesterday from a child to one of our facility dogs, so it seems only right that this week's #STATurday post is all about them. See this and more in our Report to the Community https://calgarycac.ca/2020/09/08/annualreport2020/ We are grateful for Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society. #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #Childabuse #dogswithwings #familysupport

It's #FurryFriday and our facility dog Webster is the star of the show. Webster's role is so important in providing support for children & youth during the court process. The comfort he brings is expressed in such a cute way in this letter we got in the Pups' Mailbox ... Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society #CalgaryCAC #childabuse #hope #help #healing #dogswithwings

We want your bottles! Use SkipTheDepot to start donating your bottles directly to us! You won't even have to leave the house. ... Download the app and select Calgary & Area Child Advocacy Centre upon refund. Click here: https://app.skipthedepot.com/calgarycac #thankfulthursday #CCAC #partners #recyclingthatgivesback #skipthedepot

Often, abuse doesn’t just happen, many times it is methodically planned out by the perpetrator. By knowing and recognizing the signs and stages of Grooming, you can help prevent the abuse before it takes place, and/or how to respond/interject during the process saving the child from further trauma. Together with our provincial CAC partners we have a blog to help teach you the six stages of grooming: http://ow.ly/22zB50BycOx... #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #AlbertaCACs #themoreyouknow #education #topictuesday #childabuse

#DidYouKnow The Calgary CAC is the only centre in Alberta to have a full-time Child Life Specialist on staff. The Child Life Specialist normalizes children’s visits and decreases stress by explaining to children what to expect while they are at the Centre, so fears and misconceptions can be alleviated.... Child Life has made a tremendous impact on the well-being of victims and their families. Staff Sgt. Peter Siegenthaler, Calgary Police Service Learn more about what we do by checking out our Report to the Community: http://ow.ly/Stdv50Bxqwl #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #mondayvibes #childlifespecialist #childabuse #hope #help #healing #motivationmonday

#FridayFollow for our friends at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area! They are celebrating #BigBrothersBigSistersDay today and we send them over some love! We see here at the #CCAC the importance mentoring can make in a child's life and we salute #BBBS amazing work in our communities! ... #CalgaryCAC #sharethelove #bettertogether #hope #help #healing #yyc

Your child has experienced sexual abuse. This was the news that sent the Clark family on a journey that would change their lives forever. Claire was filled with uncertainty. She asked herself how she would support her daughter, Annie, and navigate a system she did not know all while wrestling with the many feelings in her own heart. They were referred to the Calgary & Area Child Advocacy Centre and began their journey of hope, help and healing. ... Read the rest of Annie & Claire's story here.... http://ow.ly/Om2f50Bt2mP #reporttocommunity #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #hope #help #healing #stories #howwehelp

We are pleased to share our 2019-2020 Report to the Community. Highlights from the past year demonstrate how the CCAC has continued to grow as a centre of excellence in the intervention and prevention of child abuse, and serves as a place of hope, help, and healing for children, youth, and families. See the full report here: https://calgarycac.ca/2020/09/08/annualreport2020/... #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #ReportToCommunity #childabuse #hope #help #healing

Happy #STATurday! We've got a sneak peek stat for you this weekend from our upcoming Report to the Community that we will be releasing on our social channels next week. We LOVE our Youth Champions Program and want to say THANK YOU to the 14 schools who partnered with us and the teachers and student volunteers who brought it to life.... We know back-to-school looks a bit different for everyone this year but we anticipate that our 2020 program will be just as amazing. #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #youthprograms #partners #thefutureisbright #prevention

#ThankfulThursday Our wrap around service to support children, youth and their families at the Calgary CAC is possible because of our amazing partners. Thank you Alberta Health Services, Alberta Children's Services, Calgary Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta, and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. ... Learn more about what we do at https://calgarycac.ca/ #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #childabuse #hope #help #healing #partners

1-in-3 Canadians report having been abused in some form as a child or youth, with 1-in-10 being sexually victimized before turning 18 (from cybertip.ca). In the past two years, Cybertip.ca analysts have classified 305 reports as luring, an attempt made by offenders to gain access to children. Of those reports, 39% involved victims 13 years old or under, with the youngest being 8 years old. The best way to protect your child from online luring or grooming is to understand what... these stages look like, and how to identify concerning behaviors and respond to odd interactions. Head to our Alberta CACs Blog to learn more about the prevalence of this important issue, who is at risk, and for more resources: https://www.albertacacs.ca/blog/prevalence-of-grooming Reports of child abuse must be made to the following reporting sources: Calgary Children’s Services 403-297-2995 Calgary Police 403-266-1234 Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS) Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or Text CONNECT to 686868 Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 Online Exploitation: cybertip.ca Or your local police/RCMP detachment. #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #AlbertaCAC #ChildAbuse #Grooming #hope #help #healing

September 5 marks the International Day of Charity. First created to honour the late Mother Teresa and her efforts to help others has turned into a day to highlight & support the work all charities make around the world. Here at the Calgary CAC, we are grateful for your on-going support. If you'd like to make a donation today to invest in a community that responds collectively to child abuse you can do so here: https://calgarycac.ca/donate/... Or we would also appreciate you sharing any of our social media posts onto yours to help us create more awareness. Together we can do great things. #charityday #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #yyc #childabuse #hope #help #healing

We are having a #flashbackfriday today to the Borden Ladner Gervais LLP summer students, Serine and Tim! They dropped off over 600 craft bags for the Child Space this past summer. The craft bags were themed for Canada Day , Stampede (in the spirit of), fall , Halloween , and Christmas. In previous years, the BLG summer students would come in help with decorations for the space, but due to Covid they came with this awesome new idea!... We wish these (and all) students a great back-to-school! If you're looking for a fall project and would like to partner with us, we'd love to hear from you. We are so grateful for all our volunteers! #CalgaryCAC #yyc #childabuse #centreofexcellence #help #hope #healing #partners #volunteers #feelgoodfriday

You've heard the term....but what exactly is 'Grooming?' Grooming is a process used by offenders to prepare a child for sexual abuse. It is often very carefully planned, and it can take place over weeks, months or even years. Not only are children groomed, but so are their parents/caregivers, trust is built to give the offender access to the child. Our latest blog we do in-conjunction with our partners at the Alberta CACs has some great information to read: https://www.albe...rtacacs.ca/blog/what-is-grooming #wonderwednesday #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #Education #Grooming #childabuse #albertaCAC #hope #help #healing

#TopicTuesday As we head back-to-school this week...no matter what your BTS looks like, this article has some great tips on self-regulation for your kids... and some great tips for us as parents too. https://www.foothillsacademy.org//self-regulation-difficul #CalgaryCAC #CCAC #regulation #selfregulation #parenting #tips

Today is the last day to take part in #ChipInForKids with Shaw Charity Classic! Text KIDS035 to 30333 to donate $10 which is then matched! Thank You for helping support the Calgary CAC! #CalgaryCAC #ccac #childabuse #hope #help #healing ... @ShawClassic See more