RED DEER COLLEGE
RDC and Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre announce partnership for main campus

Leaders from Red Deer College and Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) were joined by representatives from the Government of Alberta today for an important announcement that drives the next steps for how RDC and CACAC will work together.

On December 4, 2018, the Government of Alberta passed an Order in Council that enables Red Deer College to allocate approximately 1.07 acres of land to the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre for construction of a stand-alone Centre of Excellence in support of child advocacy services and education.

"Our children, youth, and families in need deserve the best possible supports no matter where they live in Alberta. CACAC does amazing work helping kids in central Alberta lead healthy and happy lives, and expanding their services will be a big win for families and the community," says
Danielle Larivee, Minister of Children's Services.

The December 4 approval relates directly to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by RDC and CACAC in February 2018, which identified building a comprehensive child advocacy centre on RDC's main campus as one of its main goals. The two organizations will now continue to plan for the building, which will be located on the southwest area of campus. Once constructed, the new centre will provide an opportunity for CACAC to offer expanded services for children and families across the region.

"The Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre is extremely pleased with this support from the Government of Alberta and our partnership with RDC", says Terry Loewen, Board Chair with Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre. "We can now proceed with our plans to make a comprehensive child advocacy centre a reality for central Albertans."

Within the new facility, CACAC and RDC will continue another important aspect of their partnership, as the organizations are exploring educational programs and opportunities in credit and non-credit areas, as well as research opportunities related to child advocacy services and education.

"Red Deer College students will have access to improved training and tools to assist victims and families of child abuse. The centre's specialized focus on training, research, community awareness and education will help build a stronger and more resilient community," says Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education.

"Government support of this important partnership is a major milestone in establishing a centre of excellence at RDC supporting child advocacy," says Joel Ward, RDC President & CEO. "Students at RDC will learn the latest and best practices in supporting children and families through practicums and internships. Our new university will benefit tremendously through partnerships like this, and it aligns with our vision to provide applied learning experiences."

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Image caption (l-r): Terry Loewen, Board Chair Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre; Kim Schreiner, MLA Red Deer-North; Joel Ward, RDC President & CEO; Barb Miller, MLA Red Deer-South; Dr. Paulette Hanna, RDC Vice President Academic; and Morris Flewwelling, RDC Board Chair. 

About Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre: The Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre is a not for profit organization rooted in the protection and recovery of today's most innocent and vulnerable - our children. The Centre is comprised of a collective that is driven by the courage to support children, youth, and their families affected by abuse, enabling them to build enduring strength and overcome adversity.

We work in a collaborative partnership with the Central Region Children's Services, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Justice, Alberta Education, the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre and the RCMP. Together we harness our collective courage to provide children with supported recovery.

For more information, please visit: centralalbertacac.ca | twitter | facebook