Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

Presented by the CBA Alberta Child & Youth Law (South) Section

On Demand. Originally presented on Apr. 7, 2026.

Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) is a multidisciplinary partnership that unites Alberta Health Services, Child and Family Services, the Calgary Police Service, the RCMP, Justice sector partners, Victims Services, and the Calgary Board of Education in delivering a coordinated, child centred response to allegations of child abuse and trauma. Within this integrated model, the Child Abuse Service provides both specialized pediatric medical evaluations and comprehensive psychosocial services, enabling children and youth to receive needed supports through a unified and collaborative approach.

The psychosocial team at Luna CYAC serves children and youth who have experienced abuse, exposure to violence, severe neglect, or other traumatic events. Referrals originate primarily through police and child protection investigations, with additional pathways through medical professionals and schools. Clinicians conduct trauma focused psychosocial assessments—distinct from forensic interviewing—to understand each child’s emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs. They offer a full continuum of evidence based treatment, including individual therapy for children, youth, and caregivers; dyadic caregiver–child work; and group based interventions. The team also provides consultation to partner agencies and delivers education to professionals across sectors to enhance trauma informed practice.

Luna CYAC intersects extensively with both the family and criminal justice systems, and its clinical work frequently informs legal decision making. Assessments and treatment summaries assist Child and Family Services and the courts in evaluating safety, supervision conditions, reunification planning, and permanency options. Medical findings and psychosocial insights may also support criminal investigations, and clinicians may be called upon to testify.

PRESENTERS

Dr. Jessica Switzer (Child Abuse Service Team Leader, Alberta Health Services)
Dr. Nicki Ottenbreit (Child Abuse Service Psychologist, Alberta Health Services)

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