Cochrane & Area Victim Services is undergoing a significant transformation.
Maxine Wilton, board president of Cochrane & Area Victim Services said the Alberta Government has decided to move victim services to a regional model for program delivery.
"Any police based units within the province of Alberta which were being governed by individual boards have now shifted to four regional models, and the regional models align with the RCMP districts. Now Cochrane Victim Services falls under the Southern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society."
The goal of this change is to establish consistency across all units, ensuring that no matter where you live in Alberta, you receive the same level of service.
Residents will not see a change to the level of service they receive in the Cochrane area, stated Wilton.
"There might be some hiccups during that transition period, but no. Victim Services will still be an important part of the community, for sure, but in terms of delivery, no, there won't be any changes to the community, and what they are offered."
Cochrane RCMP Cst. Clayton Gelinas said he doesn't anticipate any future changes to the level of service that people receive.
"Certainly, it's very valuable, of course, and we use them extensively. They work with the community, they go to court, those sorts of things, but we don't see it changing either."
Cochrane & Area Victim Services served Cochrane and the surrounding area for more than three decades said Wilton.
"I just really want to take the opportunity to thank the community for all of their support over the past 33 years, because without the support of the community, we wouldn't have been able to do what we've been able to do, and to thank our volunteers over those 33 years because they're the heart and soul of our organization."
"Victim services is an organization that provides information, support and referrals for victims of crime and other tragedy. They offer court support, and just really offer and
try to empower and respect the rights of victims for a brighter tomorrow."
