The Alberta government has announced a $14.5 investment to enhance support for youth in rural and underserved communities. This funding aims to provide specialized placements closer to home through campus-based care facilities.
Provincial campus-based care facilities offer safe environments where children youth receive therapeutic care, onsite education, recreation, and cultural connections. The modernization of these facilities ensures that young people in government care can access necessary services within their communities.
Minister of Children and Family Services, Searle Turton, emphasized the importance of nurturing environments and comprehensive supports for children and youth in care. Minister of Infrastructure, Martin Long, highlighted the government’s commitment to building modern spaces for youth with complex needs in northern communities.
The investments include $95 million for the recently completed renovation at the Lac La Biche centre and $5 million through Budget 2025 for the development of detailed design plans and a feasibility construction study for a new centre in Grande Prairie. The modernized Lac La Biche facility provides 10 youth placements and includes a gym, sensory room, and cultural room to foster awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures.
The new Grande Prairie facility will replace the centre in High Prairie that was significantly damaged by a fire in late 2023. Upon opening, the Grande Prairie facility is anticipated to provide 10 youth placements. Additional supports are available at a nearby, in-person Kickstand centre youth hub operated by Sunrise House, offering integrated services for youth, including mental health supports, substance use, primary care, social and peer support, among other services.
Ron Wiebe, MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti, stated that these investments will ensure vulnerable youth in the region can access specialized, therapeutic care closer to home in modern facilities that reflect their needs and respect their culture.
The Alberta government remains dedicated to supporting programs that children and families depend on, investing almost $1 billion this year in the child intervention system to address complex cases and placement costs. Additional funding is also allocated to support, recruit, and retain child intervention staff through training, coaching, and mentorship programs.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
