Child and youth facilities play a vital role in providing safe, stable and supportive environments for youth in care. These facilities support children and youth to grow, heal and build trusting relationships with caring adults. When staff are safe, supported and well-equipped to help those in their care, they are better able to focus on meeting the needs of children and youth.
Over the next two years, Alberta’s government is investing more than $650,000 to help approximately 50 child and youth agencies strengthen their occupational health and safety practices. This funding will help create safer environments for front-line staff and the children and youth in their care and directly contribute to reducing workplace risks, improved safety protocols, training and support for staff.
“I am thankful for the commitment shown by staff in child and youth facilities across Alberta. This investment will enhance their safety by improving training, strengthening working conditions and ensuring consistent safety practices no matter where they work.”
Alberta’s government is partnering with ALIGN Association of Community Services and the Continuing Care Safety Association to establish occupational health and safety programs for child intervention agencies providing facility-based care, enhanced workplace safety through trauma-informed and responsive safety practices, regulatory compliance education and other critical safety measures.
“ALIGN is proud to partner in strengthening safety across Alberta’s child intervention sector. This investment is an important step in supporting staff well-being and enhancing trauma-informed safety practices across Alberta’s child intervention sector."
“Continuing Care Safety Association is honoured to contribute to this initiative, which reinforces the critical importance of occupational health and safety in child and youth care settings. By enhancing safety systems and supporting staff, we collectively advance the well-being of both caregivers and the young people they serve.”
Investing in workplace safety will help strengthen the capacity of facilities to provide the consistent, high-quality care that children and youth in Alberta deserve. That is why Alberta’s government is committed to supporting the occupational health and safety and the well-being of front-line workers who support vulnerable children, youth and families.
Key facts
- Joining a health and safety association can help reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, fatalities and Workers’ Compensation Board premiums by promoting healthy and safe work environments.
- The Continuing Care Safety Association is the health and safety association of choice for child intervention contracted agencies providing facility-based care.