The future of Peace Parent Link in Peace River is currently up in the air. Following the recent release of the provincial government’s budget, some changes to the funding and operation model for several services that include Peace Parent Link were announced.
Peace River Community Services Director Tanya Bell says Parent Link was funded by the Alberta government but has been run by the town for the last five years until this point.
“We received notice that the funding is no longer available as of March 31st and they’ve posted a request for a proposal that we would have to submit an application or a bid to supply a similar type service in the future.”
“It looks as if it’s a part of the development of further efficiencies within their programs and services that they’re funding through the Ministry of Children’s Services. So yes, it looks like there are budget implications for these programs and services,” Bell adds.
Parent Link provides services to families with children 0 to 16 by offering programs like drop-in play and parenting support and education classes for caregivers.
Bell says the town plans to do everything in its power to keep Parent Link up and running and under their control.
“We’re working through the province’s expression of interest process, looking at that process to see how we can fit into their new asks and are actively seeking this funding because the importance of this early childhood and also the other programs that the province is looking to offer in older age categories is highly important.”
As it stands now, no changes will be made to the services offered until at least March 31, 2020.