The Alberta government says it is increasing its financial support of child and youth advocacy centres, like the Zebra Centre, to $3.7 million in 2025 to help pay for “rising caseloads” of child abuse.
The advocacy centres offer support to children and youth who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, the government said. The centres offer a “child-friendly environment” where law enforcement and other community partners can help children with mental health, medical, and legal supports during child abuse investigations and court proceedings, according to an Aug. 20 news release.
The government said the funds would be given to eight centres around the province to continue to support children and youth. These include centres in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, and Grande Prairie….