Waypoints recognized October as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Janine Keagan, Waypoints Sexual Assault Program and Care Centre for Children and Youth Manager stated their commitment to raising awareness in Alberta.
“Alberta is proud to have eight of the 27 Child Advocacy Centers’ in Canada that are helping to empower children and youth in our communities to tell their story. These Centers are fully operational or in various stages of future development.”
The Waypoints Care Centre for Children and Youth will officially open this month.
Keagan said the centre is the first Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in the RMWB.
“The Care Centre brings together a community of professionals under one roof who are devoted to giving children and youth who have experienced abuse a safe space to tell their story. These children, youth, and their families are supported and provided the resources they need throughout the entire disclosure, investigation, judicial process, and along their healing journey.”
Keagan said it’s important to increase awareness and educate people about child abuse.
She added everyone can help create a safer community by recognizing the signs of abuse.
“Child abuse is not limited to any particular community or demographic; it exists everywhere. It is everyone’s legal and ethical duty to report child abuse and it is necessary that we understand our responsibility to speak up for the children and youth of our community.”
Residents may participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month by following #KidsCanTell on social media.
“Every day, Alberta Child Advocacy Centre’s see the courage it takes for children to tell their story. We are incredibly proud to stand by the side of every child and youth who visits our Centres and provide them with customized supports that best suit their needs. Together, we can keep our communities safe.”
On Oct. 24, 2020, participants can also wear blue to help continue the conversation and show their support.
Waypoints’ main office and care centre is in Timberlea.
