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Minister Searle Turton
Searle Turton was sworn in as Minister of Children and Family Services on June 9, 2023.
Mandate letter
The Premier's mandate letter to the Minister of Children and Family Services outlines the objectives and priorities of the work they will focus on in their role.
Our responsibilities
Children and Family Services focuses on prevention, early intervention, child development and delivering supports and services to children, youth and families, including those related to family violence. It works to ensure that children and families in Alberta have the tools they need to thrive in healthy families and communities. The ministry engages with Indigenous leaders and communities, the Government of Canada, other Government of Alberta ministries, community agencies and other stakeholders.
Key information
- Alberta’s Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act requires anyone who believes a child is at risk to report their concern.
- Learn the signs of abuse and neglect, and report concerns to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-387-KIDS.
- Foster Care is the temporary living arrangement for a child if Children's Services can’t quickly locate suitable kinship care.
- To learn more about becoming a foster caregiver, contact your local Children’s Services office or Delegated First Nation Agency.
- Alberta residents are able to adopt children in government care, as well as through private and international adoption.
- Families who adopt or obtain private guardianship of a child in permanent government care can apply for financial assistance.
- Recognize the signs of family and domestic violence and know your rights.
In focus
Family Resource Networks (FRNs) provide supports and services to help Alberta families reach their fullest potential.
Help and financial supports for Albertans fleeing domestic or intimate partner violence, and resources for prevention.
Latest news
- Mar 17, 2025
Alberta’s government is meeting the challenge of families by increasing financial support for caregivers who offer their homes for children and youth in care.
- Feb 26, 2025
Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton and Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides issued the following statement on Pink Shirt Day:
- Feb 11, 2025
Alberta’s government is continuing to invest more funding to address and prevent gender-based violence and support survivors within Alberta.