The federal and provincial governments are investing more than $470,000 over two years to support services for children and youth who are victims of abuse in Saskatchewan.
The money will help fund the newly opened Moose Jaw Little Oak Child and Youth Justice Centre and expand the province’s Victim Services Responder program.
The announcement was made Friday by Buckley Belanger, federal secretary of state for rural development, on behalf of Justice Minister Sean Fraser, alongside Saskatchewan Justice Minister Tim McLeod. Belanger toured the new centre with McLeod and representatives from the Moose Jaw Police Service.
The centre, supported by Justice Canada’s Victims Fund, offers a child-friendly environment designed to help children and families navigate the justice system with the support of a multi-disciplinary team.
“When a child has been through trauma, they should not have to face the justice system alone,” Fraser said in a statement. “With our government's support, centres like Little Oak are creating safe spaces where kids and families feel supported every step of the way. That is what access to justice should mean.”
Belanger said he expects the new centre will play a key role for families in the province.
“Access to justice in a safe environment is essential,” Belanger said. “I have no doubt that the Little Oak Centre will be a beacon of safety and support for children and youth in our province. I am proud that our government continues to support this important work.”
McLeod said the province remains focused on ensuring that victims are supported as they navigate the criminal justice system.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to helping victims and survivors of crime overcome tragic situations, ensuring they are not alone as they navigate the criminal justice system,” McLeod said. “The opening of the Little Oak Child and Youth Justice Centre ensures that we are offering support and assistance that is instrumental to creating and maintaining safe, healthy communities across our province.”
This is the third child and youth advocacy centre supported jointly by the federal and provincial governments in Saskatchewan, with others already operating in Regina and Saskatoon. Another centre in Lloydminster is not funded through Justice Canada’s initiative.
The federal government says there are advocacy centres across the country that support about 20,000 children, youth and their families each year.
Since 2010, Ottawa has invested more than $50 million to support the development of 45 centres across Canada.