On Monday morning, Alberta Health Minister Sarah Hoffman announced a new $1.2 million grant for the Zebra Child Protection Centre.
“This is really about bringing that health expertise into the facility so that families that are already experiencing trauma, and these children in particular, don’t have to figure out how to get to their next appointment,” Hoffman said.
“They feel safe and supported here and we’re actually bringing the health services to the children.”
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The Zebra centre provides support for children and youth who’ve been victims of sexual or physical abuse.
The centre provided support for over 1,600 children and youth last year.
Dr. Marcia Gordeyko said one of the key components of the new funding is that children receiving services won’t have to tell their stories as often.
“One of the things we know about children and youth is that they can sometimes be re-traumatized by having to retell their story over and over and over again,” Goreyko said.
“Through wonderful things like the Children’s First Act, we’re now able to communicate more freely between professionals and allow adults to do some of that work so the children don’t have to re-tell their story.
“That’s another key thing about having the program on site here.”
The government said funding will allow for additional mental health professionals as the service develops.