Building stronger communities with strong families
Press Release
Apr 02, 2024
Alberta’s government first launched Family Resource Networks in 2020 to provide guidance and supports to foster healthy families. By focusing on programs that improve the well-being of children and youth, caregiver capacity building and social connections, these networks reduce the number of children who come into government care and families that require child intervention services.
Budget 2024 increases the amount of funding for Family Resource Networks by $6.6 million over two years. This additional investment means a total budget of $66.7 million, which will help more families access free prevention and early intervention supports that will improve outcomes for families – like workshops for young parents and caregivers, in-home supports, as well as childhood development, mentorship, and life skills programming for children and youth.
“Families deserve every opportunity to grow and thrive together. By continuing to support our Family Resource Networks, our government is helping more Alberta families access programs that will enhance their connection to each other, their communities, and their culture.”
Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services
Family Resource Networks are available to all Albertans, free of charge and wherever they live in the province. Currently, there are 70 networks, including 35 in rural communities, and 18 specifically targeted to unique cultural and linguistic communities, including Indigenous, Francophone and multicultural communities.
In 2022-23, networks served more than 48,600 children and youth, as well as 32,000 caregivers. Evaluation of the implementation and impact of the networks has shown participants experienced improved well-being, parenting knowledge, relationships and cultural connections.
“This funding for the Family Resource Networks will prove to be an incredible support for Indigenous families in Alberta, connecting them to their culture and communities. It is crucial that families across Alberta have access to culturally appropriate services and programs, and this increase in funding will ensure these families can grow and thrive, now and into the future.”
Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
The additional investments for Family Resource Networks in Budget 2024 will build on previous investments to strengthen each network’s ability to provide culturally appropriate services for Indigenous children, youth and families, address the needs of LGBTQ2+ and gender-diverse youth, and support families facing increased adversity and complexity by enhancing intensive services.
“We recognize the significant hurdles our community encounters in accessing essential supports and services. Increased funding not only enriches the quality of assistance provided, but also creates capacity in the FRN community that is vital to our mission and fosters improved outcomes for youth, families, and the community at large.”
Cheryl Whiskeyjack, executive director, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
“Bridges Family Programs knows positive, healthy relationships can make all the difference in the well-being of families, youth and children. With increased funding, we look forward to being able to help more families and communities grow together and reach their fullest potential.”
Lauren Fourrier, executive director, Bridges Family Programs Association of Southeastern Alberta
Budget 2024 is a responsible plan to strengthen health care and education, build safe and supportive communities, manage the province’s resources wisely and promote job creation to continue to build Alberta’s competitive advantage.
Quick facts
- There are 70 Family Resource Networks across Alberta which help to co-ordinate services through 131 qualified service agencies and providers, including:
- Thirty-five networks serving rural communities.
- Five serving urban Indigenous families in Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge.
- Two serving multicultural families in Edmonton and Calgary, and one supporting Francophone families.
- Eight serving Metis Settlements.
- Two serving on-reserve communities in Stoney Nakoda First Nation and Siksika First Nation.
Related information
Related news
- Supporting the mental health of young Albertans | alberta.ca (May 12, 2022)
- Targeted supports for youth and families | alberta.ca (April 7, 2020)
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