The federal government is investing $3 million in two projects aimed at preventing and addressing child maltreatment.
Aslam Rana, MP for Hamilton Centre, announced the funding June 23 on behalf of Health Minister Marjorie Michel.
The money is being provided through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Preventing Family Violence Program.
The federal government says the projects will help strengthen prevention efforts, support safe and healthy relationships, identify risks faced by children and families, and reinforce community supports.
McMaster University receives $1.7 million
McMaster University is receiving $1.7 million for a project focused on improving outcomes for youth in care.
The project is aimed at addressing risk factors and systemic barriers that can contribute to youth entering the child welfare system across multiple generations.
It will also support youth in care as they transition into adulthood and evaluate the long-term impact of that support.
Melissa Kimber, associate professor and Chedoke Health Chair in Child Psychiatry at McMaster University, said the funding will support equity-driven systems change for youth in and from care.
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Indigenous parenting program supported
Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg is receiving $1.3 million to adapt, co-create, deliver and evaluate an Anishinaabe version of the Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program.
The culturally adapted, community-led program will focus on positive parenting and will be tested in three urban, northern and rural communities across Ontario.
The federal government says the project will support efforts to prevent child maltreatment through culturally grounded programming.
Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg executive director Monique Lavallee said the project will be grounded in Anishinaabe language, teachings and cultural practices connected to family and child wellness.
Child maltreatment called serious public health issue
The federal government says child maltreatment remains a serious public health issue in Canada, with long-term impacts on the health and well-being of children, families and communities.
Child maltreatment can include physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and exposure to intimate partner violence.
Michel said the effects of violence can be complex and long-lasting, including impacts on future generations.
She said the funding is meant to strengthen knowledge, skills and support systems so children can grow in safer and healthier environments.
The federal government says it has invested more than $820 million since 2017 through Canada’s gender-based violence strategy, including work focused on preventing family violence, supporting victims and survivors, and promoting a responsive justice system.