By Charles Lefebvre

Child advocacy centre funding model released

Feb 21, 2020 | 3:58 PM

EDMONTON, AB — A new funding model for child advocacy centres has been put in place in Alberta.

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services, announced Friday morning that the province is dedicating a total of $3.4 million each year until 2023 to help fund the centres, which assist children who are victims of abuse.

“This funding allocation model and three year funding cycle commitment ensures a consistent and sustainable approach as we work together to support the kids in Alberta who need these supports the most.”

The funding will be used for victim advocacy, courtroom preparation and coordinating services to better assist children in crisis.

“Coordination though is really the key,” Schulz said. “That is what makes this work happen. That’s what makes this more than co-located offices and services. It’s what allows the child to minimize interactions with new environments and intimidating processes, and it’s really the glue that puts the child in need at the centre of this vision, and on the path to healing.”

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The announcement also noted funding will be set aside for future centres in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.

The Southeastern Alberta Sexual Assault Response Committee is working on creating a child advocacy centre for Medicine Hat, while the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre would run one in Lethbridge.

Dates for both centres to start operating are not yet known.

Their funding would be based on community need and the size of the caseload, similar to other centres in the province.