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When Everyone Works Together, CHILDREN COME FIRST

Every year in Manitoba, approximately 4,000 cases of child abuse are investigated. Behind every investigation is a child or youth who has experienced something no young person should ever have to face and a family navigating what comes next.

How the systems around them respond can have a far-reaching impact on the course of their lives. Toba Centre for Children & Youth (Toba Centre) brings the professionals involved in that response together, with one shared goal: putting children, youth, and families first.

At Toba Centre, a team of professionals— including police, child protection, medical, mental health, and other supports— work together under one roof. Rather than requiring children and families to navigate each system separately, the multidisciplinary model brings expertise together while allowing each professional to maintain their respective roles, responsibilities, and mandates.

For Sgt. Jill Slobodzian with the Manitoba Integrated Child Abuse Unit based at Toba Centre, that collaboration represents a significant change in how Manitoba responds to children who have experienced abuse.

“After more than 20 years with the RCMP, including close to a decade in child-centred investigations, I’ve seen the devastating impact abuse can have on children, youth, and families,” said Slobodzian. “I can say, without hesitation, that Toba Centre is one of the most significant advancements in how we support child victims in Manitoba.”

The model is designed to make the experience less overwhelming for children and families while helping professionals do their jobs more effectively. Having different services working together can improve communication and information sharing, support investigations, and help reduce the need for children to repeatedly recount difficult experiences.

For Toba Centre CEO Christy Dzikowicz, supporting children and supporting the justice process are closely connected.

“Our goal is to create better outcomes for children, youth, and families—and better outcomes for justice,” said Dzikowicz. “These goals are not separate. When we work together and put the needs of children first, good things happen. For children. For families. For justice.”

That same principle of working together extends beyond Toba Centre. Building a community response to child abuse means Manitobans can play a role, too.

That can start with something as simple as learning what signs to look for and knowing what to do when concerns arise. Toba Centre’s How to Help guide provides information for anyone who wants to know signs to pay attention to and what to do if they are concerned about a child or youth.

Manitobans can also participate in the #GoBlueToba campaign throughout October. On October 24, people are encouraged to wear blue and light up their homes or businesses in blue, sharing photos on social media with the hashtag #GoBlueToba.

A Night in Blue is Toba Centre’s signature event, being held on October 8, 2026 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Hosted by Adam Lowry and Ace Burpee, the evening brings the community together to raise awareness and vital funds to support children, youth, and families impacted by abuse.

There are also opportunities to get involved through events and fundraising initiatives hosted by local organizations and businesses, including Winnipeg Jets Child Advocacy Night, Jenna Rae Cakes, Trans Canada Brewing Co., Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo, and the Winnipeg Kinsmen 50/50 Raffle.

The activities offer different ways to get involved, but the message behind them is the same: responding to child abuse is not the responsibility of one person, profession, or organization. It takes a community.

For Toba Centre, bringing professionals together is one part of creating that community response. Raising awareness, recognizing and responding to concerns, and supporting children and families are other pieces of the same effort.

During Child Abuse Awareness Month, Manitobans are being encouraged to learn, speak up, and show their support— and, ultimately, help ensure children, youth, and families do not have to face their healing journey alone.

More information, resources, and ways to get involved are available at GoBlueToba.ca