Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton speaks about expanded funding for Family Resource Networks. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko | Lethbridge News Now

Alberta’s Family Resource Networks program gets extension

Apr 3, 2024 | 6:36 AM

Albertans will soon benefit from having a greater access to family-related services.

The provincial government is proposing to add another $6.6 million in funding over two years for Family Resource Networks (FRNs), increasing their total budget to $66.7 million.

FRNs provide free programming for families such as workshops for young parents and caregivers, in-home supports, childhood development, mentorship, and life skills programming for youths.

Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton explains that the funding will help to ensure that Indigenous children and families have access to culturally-appropriate supports and services, that networks have the training and capacity to respond to the needs of LGBT2S+ and gender-diverse youths, and enhancing intensive services to meet the rising demands for these supports.

Turton adds that families deserve every opportunity to grow and thrive together.

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“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,” says Turton.

There are 70 FRNs across Alberta, including 35 in rural communities and 18 specifically targeted to unique cultural and linguistic communities.

FRNs in central Alberta include:

• Lacombe – McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association
• Red Deer – McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association
• Sylvan Lake – Sylvan Lake Information and Referral
• Innisfail – McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association
• Rocky Mountain House – McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association
• Stettler – McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association

In 2022-23, FRNs served more than 48,600 youths and 32,000 caregivers. Participants reported experiencing improved wellbeing, parenting knowledge, relationships, and cultural connections.

To learn more about Family Resource Networks and for a full list of locations, go to the Government of Alberta website.

(with files from rdnewsNOW)