Family Resource Network program extended for two more years

By Brandie Majeau
The Family Resource Network (FRN) launched in April 2020 replacing the previous
Parent Link Centres, creating a newly developed system and structure, and expanding its
services and resources for families with children of all ages. Parent Link centres previously
focused on free programs for families with young children, ages 0-12 and then adjusted to ages
0-6. The revision of the new model as Family Resource Network brought uncertainty and
unknowns but was also an opportunity to offer expanded services and revise current
programming and services.
The Rural Connections Family Resource Network works in partnership with a central hub
along with other agencies to provide safety and an array of assets to all families in the
community. The Rural Connections Family Resource Network works underneath this hub,
extending down to Healthy Families Healthy Futures and WJS Canada. Healthy Families Healthy
Futures supports, but is not limited to, home visitations and early childhood development with
children ages 0-6 while WJS Canada provides, but is not limited to, home visitations and
parenting strategies to families with children aged 7-18. Following this unique hub and spoke
model for the Rural Connections Family Resource Network, caregiver capacity falls upon the
individual family resource centers including Thorhild, Smoky Lake, Barrhead and Westlock. This
is the basic model for the Rural Connections Family Resource Network and will not be the same
as other areas, siting that other FRN may not offer the same services and may be structured in
similar or diverse ways.
The support provided by Family Resource Networks focuses on providing prevention
and early intervention services across communities and connects families to each other and an
array of supports and services, including free home visitations, assessments, parenting
guidance and parent group supports. After the initial roll out of the program, FRN was
established as a three-year model which would conclude with a reassessment and evaluation
before moving forward. Originally announced that the there would be a one-year extension,
Family Resource Network directors were eager to share an announcement received in
December of 2023 that the past three years have been demonstrated positive outcomes of the
current model and is achieving growth and new connections and partnerships across
communities. In addition to the success reflected upon with this statement also came the
declaration that the Family Resource Network program will be extended for an additional two
years and looks forward to the continuity of the programs.

This announcement eased an uncertainty as the 2024 deadline was approaching,
ensuring the stability of funding for the upcoming years. The impact of this decision ensures the
ability of continued work development and maintaining future programs.