National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma) : Alberta’s government is increasing funding for child advocacy centres to better support children and youth experiencing abuse.
To help address rising caseloads, Alberta’s government is increasing funding for child and youth advocacy centres by 10 per cent. This represents an increase to $3.7 million in 2025, ensuring these centres can continue their vital work supporting children and youth.
“Alberta has been a leader in creating safe places for children and youth who have experienced abuse. Centres like Zebra Centre and Luna Centre were among the first of their kind in Canada, and they continue to give hope and healing to thousands of children, youth and their families. This new funding will help them, and six other centres across Alberta, keep providing the critical support to protect children and youth.”
Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services
Child advocacy centres bring together law enforcement agencies and community partners in a child-friendly environment to provide services such as mental health, medical and legal supports to children and youth who experience physical, emotional or sexual abuse and/or neglect.
With eight provincially funded centres located in communities including Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, this funding will help support more children and youth across the province on their healing journey.
“As our community’s response to child abuse, the Zebra Centre supports more than 4,000 children and youth every year. Our multi-disciplinary team works together within the Zebra Centre to deliver essential services and supports, and the Ministry of Children and Family Services is a core partner in this important work.”
Emmy Stuebing, chief executive officer, Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
This funding represents another step in helping to ensure Alberta is the safest place to live, work and raise a family. It builds on the recent release of Building on our Strengths, Alberta’s 10-Year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, which outlines how the province will work to prevent gender-based violence, support those affected, and ensure those committing these crimes are held to account.
“Dogs with Wings provides trained facility dogs that support children and youth during difficult interviews and court proceedings, as well as in their recovery from traumatic experiences. We are committed to meeting the growing demand from our valued child and youth advocacy centre partners for more dogs. Together, we do important work.”
Amanda Dubé, chief executive officer, Dogs with Wings
Everyone has a shared responsibility to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect, and to report any concerns for a child’s well-being. Speaking up to protect children is a courageous act that can have life-changing effects on young people, showing them that they are not alone.
If you see something that worries you, don’t wait. Report concerns by calling the 24-7 Child Intervention Line at 1-800-638-0715.
