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

By David Opinko

Alberta’s Family Resource Networks receive funding boost

Apr 2, 2024 | 2:24 PM

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 (FRN), 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 southern Alberta include:

• Brooks:
  • The SPEC Association for Children and Families
• Lethbridge:
  • Family Centre Society of Southern Alberta
  • Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society
• Medicine Hat:
  • Bridges Family Programs Association of Southeastern Alberta
• Okotoks:
  • McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association
• Siksika:
  • Siksika Family Services Corporation

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.

Bridges Family Programs Association of Southeastern Alberta Executive Director Lauren Fourrier spoke about the impacts FRNs have.

“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,” says Fourrier.

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

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