February 17, 2014 – Ottawa – Department of Justice Canada
Today, on behalf of Minister of Justice Peter MacKay, David Wilks, M.P. for Kootenay-Columbia, announced $350,000 in funding for the Kootenay Boundary Community Services Co-operative to improve and expand services for young victims of abuse living in the region.
The funding will be used by the organization to develop and implement a rural model of delivering services available through a Child Advocacy Centre in the communities of Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Nakusp and Grand Forks. This project builds on a feasibility study undertaken by the organization in 2011 that found a need for improved services and a more coordinated response from professionals for young victims of abuse living in rural areas of the region.
This project will bring together a multi-disciplinary team from existing service providers to respond to cases of abuse. Local coordinators will be hired to ensure that protocols are developed, evaluated and updated as necessary, and to act as a family liaison where needed. In addition, a regional coordinator will manage the project, liaise with community partners, develop and distribute resources and coordinate regional training and the development of regional policies, procedures and protocols. Local facilities will also be upgraded to make them child-friendly and to ensure they are accessible at all times.
- Paloma Aguilar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
- Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207
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