This release was issued under a previous government.
Provincial Family and Community Safety Program grants will fund 76 local projects to prevent family and sexual violence, child sexual abuse. They will also provide supports for parents, early childhood development, and promoting healthy relationships.
“Our province is only as strong as our families and communities. We must all work together to end the cycles of violence, abuse and bullying. The Alberta government is improving access to programs and services that help build resiliency and support the safety and well-being of all Albertans.”
The projects target diverse populations, including Aboriginals, newcomers to Canada, gender and sexual minorities, and rural and remote communities. Local organizations and community agencies developed the initiatives, including:
- creating an action plan for Beaver First Nation to prevent child abuse, violence and bullying, and support strategies for families;
- removing barriers to sexual violence support, especially for diverse and rural populations, by empowering local groups to meet community needs through the Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse Society;
- supporting the ongoing work of the Intercultural Child and Family Centre in Edmonton to provide outreach to immigrant and refugee families; and
- reducing the risk of child mistreatment and family violence in young families in Calgary through the Catholic Family Service’s Young Dads Project.
Grants range from $11,840 to $237,500 for a total of nearly $10 million. Projects will be funded for one year with the intent to provide funding for up to two additional years.