Peter Ballantyne Child and Family Services is celebrating the grand opening of its new therapeutic centre for Children and youth.
The Therapeutic Centre, on PBCN reserve land south of Prince Albert, will serve PBCN children who have exceptional behavioral or medical needs that require specialized care.
This care will be delivered in a family-oriented environment on reserve land south of the city.
The $10.8 million centre consists of eight separate live-in facilities that provide a total of 32 beds. An additional shared facility features a professionally staffed kitchen providing traditional foods, a half court gymnasium, a medical room and rooms for cultural activities.
(The 8 separate live in facilities and the main building are all connected to a courtyard at the PBCFI Therapeutic Centre. Photo by Joel Willick.)
Several PBCN leaders, members, and dignitaries gathered on Thursday morning for the grand opening and ribbon cutting.
Executive Director for Peter Ballantyne Child and Family Services Vera Sayese says the facility will help them deliver family and community focused care.
“Family closeness is essential to our cultural values of respect, sharing, and spirituality and these are essential for children to grow up with a strong sense of identity,” Sayese told those gathered for the grand opening.
Sayese says currently 86 percent of PBCN children in care are currently with PBCN caregivers or facilities. She believes this facility will help drive that percentage higher and may actually reduce the total number of children who need to be in care.
“If it is necessary that children do come into care we must ensure they are in safe Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation homes,” she said.
The therapeutic centre will receive their first family on Monday.
(TOP PHOTO. The PBCFI Therapeutic Centre on reserve land south of Prince Albert. Photo by Joel Willick.)