Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is committing an additional $3.2 million to strengthen early intervention and prevention services for children, youth and families across the province.
Applications have opened for the latest Family Resource Network grant programme, which aims to help families access assistance before challenges develop into crises. Organisations can submit applications until September 29.
The new funding will raise Alberta’s total annual investment in Family Resource Networks to $66.7 million. The networks operate in urban, rural and Indigenous communities and provide services at no cost to families.
Their programmes include parenting and caregiver education, support delivered in the home, activities focused on early childhood and youth development, and short-term community-based mental health assistance. The services are designed to help families strengthen relationships, build confidence and connect with appropriate resources within their communities.
Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton said providing assistance at an early stage can help families overcome difficulties before they become more serious.
The latest grant call is focused on areas identified as priorities by Family Resource Networks across Alberta. These include intensive supports for youth and caregivers, child development programmes and services delivered directly in family homes.
According to the government, the investment forms part of an updated approach to the Family Resource Network system. The changes have been informed by programme evaluations and feedback from organisations delivering services on the ground.
The renewed approach is intended to improve coordination between service providers, strengthen assistance for children and families facing greater challenges, and ensure available funding is directed toward areas with the highest levels of need.
Family Resource Networks were established in Alberta in 2020 as part of efforts to reduce the need for formal child intervention by providing families with prevention and early support.
The latest funding initiative is aimed at expanding access to those services and helping Alberta families receive assistance closer to home before they reach a crisis point.
