Improving care for vulnerable northern youth
Press Release
Jan 29, 2026
Investments are being made in safe, supportive facilities to deliver specialized, therapeutic care for youth in northern Alberta.
Alberta’s government is providing $14.5 million to ensure youth in rural and underserved communities can access the supports and services they rely on, including specialized placements in or near their home communities through campus-based care facilities.
Provincial campus-based care facilities provide a safe, caring environment where children and youth receive therapeutic care, onsite education, recreation and meaningful connections to their culture. By making care more modern and accessible, young people in government care can access the specialized placements and services they need closer to home.
“Children and youth in care need safe, nurturing environments and access to comprehensive supports that help them thrive. These new and improved facilities will make a positive, long-lasting impact on the children and youth they serve. This substantial commitment emphasizes our dedication to providing the highest-quality care and support to help children and youth reach their full potential.”
Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services
“Alberta’s government is building modern, purpose-built spaces so children and youth with complex needs in northern communities can get the care they need, closer to home. We’ve created a facility that supports youth and are planning a new campus-based care centre in Grande Prairie.”
Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure
These investments include $9.5 million for the recently completed renovation at the Lac La Biche centre and $5 million through Budget 2025 for the development of detailed design plans and a feasibility construction study for a new centre in Grande Prairie. The modernized Lac La Biche facility provides 10 youth placements and includes a gym, sensory room and cultural room – which is used to foster awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures including traditional Indigenous teachings, keeping children connected to their culture and community.
The new Grande Prairie facility will replace the centre in High Prairie that was significantly damaged by a fire in late 2023. Upon opening, the Grande Prairie facility is anticipated to provide 10 youth placements. Additional supports are available at a nearby, in-person Kickstand centre youth hub operated by Sunrise House, which offers integrated services for youth including mental health supports, substance use, primary care, social and peer support among other services.
“Every young person deserves a safe, supportive place to heal, learn, and build a better future. These investments will ensure vulnerable youth in our region can access specialized, therapeutic care closer to home, in modern facilities that reflect their needs and respect their culture. This is about giving northern youth the stability and support they need to thrive.”
Ron Wiebe, MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti
Alberta’s government remains dedicated to supporting the programs that children and families depend on. That’s why, this year, almost $1 billion has been invested in the child intervention system to address complex cases and placement costs. Extra funding is also going towards supporting, recruiting and keeping child intervention staff, with training, coaching and mentorship programs in place.
Quick facts
- Children and Family Services works to keep children and youth safe and connected to their families.
- Every effort is made to keep families together whenever possible and when it is safe.
- If children cannot stay with their family, a range of placements are available along a continuum ranging from family-based placements, which include kinship and foster care, to facility-based placements, which include group care or campus-based care. These placements are in communities large and small across Alberta.
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