{
  "id": 12304927,
  "title": "When Everyone Works Together, CHILDREN COME FIRST",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/when-everyone-works-together-children-come-first",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T05:00:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2026/10/06/when-everyone-works-together-children-come-first"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Every year, approximately 4,000 cases of child abuse are investigated in Manitoba. Each investigation involves a child or youth who has endured a traumatic experience, and a family facing the consequences. The professionals who respond to these cases aim to prioritize the well-being of children, youth, and families.\n\nThe Toba Centre for Children & Youth serves as a hub where police, child protection, medical, mental health, and other support teams collaborate. This multidisciplinary approach allows experts to work together under one roof, without requiring families to navigate multiple systems separately. Sgt. Jill Slobodzian, a member of the Manitoba Integrated Child Abuse Unit at Toba Centre, emphasizes that this collaboration has transformed the way Manitoba supports child victims.\n\nThe Toba Centre's model aims to reduce the stress on children and families while enhancing the efficiency of professionals. By fostering better communication and information sharing, the model helps prevent children from having to recount their traumatic experiences repeatedly. Christy Dzikowicz, CEO of Toba Centre, stresses that supporting children is intrinsically linked to supporting justice. When children, youth, and families are placed at the forefront, positive outcomes for everyone are achieved.\n\nBeyond the Toba Centre, community involvement is crucial in addressing child abuse. Manitobans can contribute by recognizing signs of abuse, knowing the appropriate actions to take, and participating in initiatives such as the #GoBlueToba campaign. On October 8, 2026, A Night in Blue at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will bring the community together to raise awareness and funds for abused children, youth, and families.\n\nVarious local organizations and businesses, including the Winnipeg Jets, Jenna Rae Cakes, and the Winnipeg Kinsmen, host events and fundraising initiatives throughout October to support the cause. Ultimately, responding to child abuse is a community-wide effort, with no single individual, profession, or organization responsible. By learning, speaking up, and showing support, Manitobans can ensure that children, youth, and families do not have to endure their healing journey alone. More information, resources, and ways to get involved can be found at GoBlueToba.ca.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Approximately 4,000 child abuse cases investigated annually in Manitoba",
    "Toba Centre for Children & Youth facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration",
    "October 8, 2026: A Night in Blue event raises awareness and funds"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The collaborative approach at the Toba Centre and community-wide efforts signify a shift towards prioritizing child victims' well-being, reducing their trauma and stress, and fostering positive outcomes for everyone involved.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}