Lloydminster is one among only a handful of centres that will be receiving funding from the provincial government for their child sexual abuse support programs.
Seven community organizations throughout Alberta are reaching grants so survivors of child sexual abuse can get specialized services.
In total, the Alberta Government is investing $1.7 million through the Family and Community Safety Program to strengthen the work being done by Child Advocacy Centres, police services and other community groups aimed at stopping child sexual abuse, as well as providing youth with safe and healthy environments.
“I applaud Minister Sabir for his leadership in making child abuse a top priority in Alberta. By investing in prevention and early intervention we truly have the opportunity to turn the lives of our young people and their families around in a timely and efficient manner,” says Sheldon Kennedy, the Director of Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.
“The Child Advocacy Centre model, based on proven cross-ministry collaboration, also ensures that negative downstream impacts, both human and economic, are reduced.”
The funds will go towards three existing Child Advocacy Centres in Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie, as well as four emerging centres in Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, Lloydminster and Red Deer.
Lloydminster’s Little Bear Advocacy Centre just officially opened about a month ago, within the Lloydminster Sexual Assault & Information Centre.
Under the umbrella of “new Programs & Initiatives for the prevention of family violence,” rather than focusing primarily on child abuse, Bonnyville will also be receiving funds, among recipients of a grander list of 30 regions in all.
Funds will go to Bonnyville Family Support Facilitator which provides services and supports to those affected by family violence, including strengthening coping abilities and settlement for new immigrants building on family strengths and referrals to further services. Focus on Indigenous, immigrant and rural communities.