A Lethbridge child advocacy centre is among 10 receiving a portion of $330,000.
The $60,705 investment is targeted to help the organization address a rise in children and youth experiencing abuse in Alberta. According to officials, the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre offers leadership, advocacy, and comprehensive services specific to victims of sexual violence within southwestern Alberta, including prevention strategies.
In a statement, Minister of Affordability and Utilities and MLA for Lethbridge-East, Nathan Neudorf says a safe place and having people around who support and believe them is the first step toward healing for young victims.
“I’m so grateful that our government recognizes that these centres are that safe haven and by providing the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre with additional funds, they will be able to help more young survivors access the crucial supports they need to move forward,” Neudorf says.
These advocacy centres are reported to bring together law enforcement agencies and community partners in a child-friendly environment where services such as mental health, medical, and legal support to children and youth who experience physical, emotional, or sexual abuse are available.
Across the province, there are seven other provincially funded centres, located in Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Calgary, and Medicine Hat.
With this latest funding, officials say $3.7 million has been invested into these centres in 2025.
