The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre is one of 20 non-profit organizations to receive provincial grants to help victims navigate the criminal justice system.
Funding for the Specialized Criminal Justice Navigator Grant was recently announced for child advocacy centres, sexual assault services, and specialized programs for victims of elder abuse, intimate partner violence, newcomers to Canada and human trafficking.
The grants, which run from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026, can be used to cover the salary, training and benefits for up to two full-time employees, as well as travel, technology requirements and administrative expenses.
The Central Alberta support centre will receive $120,000 per year.
Executive director Patricia Arango said the centre currently has one police and court support specialist, and hopefully, another specialist will be hired as soon as next month.
"I'm happy that we got this support and the money to keep helping victims," Arango said.
Under the new grant program, criminal justice navigators will work directly with victims and survivors of crime to provide information about the criminal justice system, including ways to participate, information and referrals for various programs and resources, and support with courtroom orientation and accompaniment.
Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis said the grant ensures victims of crime receive the guidance and assistance they deserve.
“After a crime, figuring out what to do can be difficult and stressful. It’s our duty to stand by victims of crime, providing predictable, sustainable and consistent funding as they navigate the complexities of the justice system," said Ellis, in a statement.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery added that being a victim of crime is often traumatic, especially for those who belong to vulnerable populations or face economic, cultural or other barriers which can make the court process complex and intimidating.
"These grants will help to make sure that Albertans get the support they need as their cases work their way through the justice system," Amery said.
Arango said another program that has helped Central Alberta clients is the centre's supported reporting program which allows an RCMP investigator to meet with clients at the centre to discuss reporting what happened to them.
She said the Red Deer centre was one of the first to have supported reporting which really helps clients to decide what to do and other organizations are asking questions in order to start their own program.