Headline: Lac La Biche youth care centre upgraded as province boosts supports
EDMONTON — Alberta’s government says new investments in campus-based care facilities will improve access to specialized, therapeutic supports for vulnerable youth in northern communities, with a major focus on Lac La Biche and services tied to the Fort McMurray region.
The province is committing $14.5 million to expand and modernize facilities designed to support children and youth with complex needs, allowing more placements closer to home rather than far from their communities.
Of that funding, $9.5 million was used to complete renovations at the Lac La Biche campus-based care centre, which now offers 10 youth placements. The upgraded facility includes a gym, sensory room and a cultural room intended to support Indigenous teachings and strengthen connections to culture and community.
Searle Turton said the investment is aimed at giving youth in government care safer, more supportive environments.
“Children and youth in care need safe, nurturing environments and access to comprehensive supports that help them thrive,” Turton said in a statement. “These new and improved facilities will make a positive, long-lasting impact on the children and youth they serve.”
Provincial campus-based care facilities provide therapeutic care, on-site education, recreation and cultural programming for youth who cannot safely remain at home. The government says modernizing these spaces improves access to specialized services while reducing the need for placements far from northern communities such as Fort McMurray.
Infrastructure Minister Martin Long said the province is prioritizing purpose-built facilities for youth with complex needs. He noted planning work is also underway for a future centre in Grande Prairie, which would replace a facility in High Prairie damaged by fire in 2023.
The government said Alberta continues to invest heavily in the child intervention system, with nearly $1 billion allocated this year to address complex cases, placement costs and workforce recruitment, retention and training.
Children and Family Services says efforts are made to keep families together whenever possible, but a range of placement options remain available when safety concerns require children to live outside the family home.
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