Provincial Funding Announcement for Child and Youth Advocacy Centres

We welcome and appreciate the Government of Alberta’s recognition of the essential role Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (CYACs) play in responding to child abuse across the province.

This funding increase represents a positive step forward in our ongoing partnership with Children and Family Services, and in the critical conversations about the investment needed to meet the rising demand for the specialized services CYACs provide to children, youth, and families in Alberta.

While the overall provincial announcement reflects a 10% increase, distribution varies by centre. For Luna, this means a 4% increase — support that will help address some immediate pressures and is a meaningful indication of the government’s commitment to this work.

At Luna, the need is urgent and growing. We are now responding to almost 5,000 cases of child abuse each year, a 310% increase since we first opened in 2013. This funding commitment for 2025–26 helps bridge part of the gap, and we hope it is a positive indication of continued investment that will be aligned with the increasing number of children and families we support each year.

Child abuse is not going away, and neither is the need for a sustainable and predictable funding model that supports CYACs as essential public services. CYACs should not be viewed as charities, but as integral components of Alberta’s broader response to child abuse, and a clear policy imperative.

We are grateful to be included in the province’s investment priorities, and we understand the complexity of funding decisions. Continued collaboration with Minister Turton and the Government of Alberta will be vital to building a stable, long-term system of support that reaches every child who needs it.

Alberta has long been a leader in supporting innovative responses to child abuse. Together, with ongoing government partnership, we can ensure that leadership continues, and that every child in Alberta has access to the support they need to be safe, heard, and supported.

View the press release here.