A child advocacy centre in Grande Prairie is one of seven getting a boost from the province. Four existing and three new organizations are receiving a total of $1.7 million to provide specialized services and supports for survivors of child sexual abuse. The Caribou Child & Youth Centre is getting $150,000 of that.
While based in the Swan City, it serves a large portion of northwestern Alberta. Since it opened in 2012, the centre says it has seen a consistent increase in child abuse investigations. It was also only the second child advocacy centre in Alberta at the time.
The centre supports youth under 18 who have experienced sexual, physical, or psychological abuse, as well as exploitation or neglect. It also works with people who have witnessed other types of trauma or violence. The multi-disciplinary team is made up of RCMP, Child Family Services, PACE, Victim Services and Crown Prosecution.