#NotInMyCity has always prioritized addressing the issue of sexual exploitation of children and youth in our community, and there’s been a lot of work happening behind the scenes in this area.

We have facilitated the development and implementation of a community response model in collaboration with a number of partner agencies, including Children’s Services, Calgary Police Service, Alberta Health Services – Addiction and Mental Health, Hull Services, McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association (McMan Calgary & Area) and Trellis.

The Community Response Model is a first step in bringing together a variety of systems and service providers to identify children and youth who are risk of, or involved in, sexual exploitation. They also quickly share critical and accurate information to provide appropriate interventions that address safety and meet the urgent needs of vulnerable children and youth.

Since its implementation in October 2020, the cross-agency collaboration has had a positive impact on 33 youth (including 15 at-risk and 18 sexually exploited youth) in Calgary and the surrounding area.

Now, with additional funding in place, #NotInMyCity is pleased to support McMan Calgary & Area to hire a Community Outreach Worker. Money for the outreach position and essential needs was received from the Canadian Women’s Foundation Safer and Stronger Grant Stream, with additional support from McMan to allow the position to be held for a full year.

Says Karin Matthiessen, Director of Services, McMan Calgary and Area, “We are excited to partner with #NotInMyCity to strengthen outreach supports for youth at risk of sexual exploitation. This work requires collective action and together we can leverage resources, reduce barriers, and mobilize connections in our community to prevent and disrupt sexual exploitation.”