Resiliency & Child Advocacy
Helping to Build Stronger Communities
Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to collaborate with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC), in creating an innovative ecosystem focused on supporting youth and families across our province while offering unparalleled opportunities for our students, faculty and staff to actively contribute to the community's well-being.
Integrated Approach for Child Advocacy
Our unified vision to enrich communities through integrated approaches in applied research, education and training in child advocacy underpins the ethos of the CACAC’s Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence. Our partnership with the CACAC aims to create a nurturing environment where children and families in our region receive comprehensive support while addressing the critical aspects of childhood trauma in order to help prevent homelessness and substance addiction.
Applied Research
RDP is growing our applied research capacity in child advocacy to help improve the lives of citizens and advance the social priorities of communities across Alberta.
RDP and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) have released a new 2025 Silent Cries: Child Abuse Trends in Alberta report. The report provides an in-depth analysis of child abuse data from 2017–2024 and provides recommendations for targeted interventions and policies to enhance Alberta’s child protection system.
The Silent Cries report builds on the findings of the 2024 State of Child Wellbeing in Central Alberta report.
Education, Training and Community Support
The synergy between CACAC and RDP drives exploration into educational programs, both in credit and non-credit areas, and delves into training and other work-integrated learning opportunities centered on child advocacy services and education. Red Deer Polytechnic students benefit from enhanced training and resources, empowering them to assist victims and families affected by child abuse. The Centre's specialized focus on training, applied research, community awareness and education stand as a testament to our collective dedication in fostering a resilient and supportive community.
Related News
Applied Learning and Partnerships
At RDP, our research in resiliency and child advocacy takes a unique approach by combining integrated practice and data analytics to develop new best practices. Researchers and practitioners work together to create strategies that address the complex challenges children face and promote their overall well-being.
Integrated practice means bringing together different fields like psychology, social work, education and healthcare to create solutions that meet the diverse needs of vulnerable youth. Using data analytics, researchers can analyze large amounts of data to find insights that help shape evidence-based interventions.
By using the latest technology, our research aims to improve programs and policies, creating a more supportive environment for children facing adversity. This blend of integrated practice and data analytics is a forward-thinking approach that promises to shape the future of child advocacy.
Students at RDP gain hands-on experience through practicums and internships, learning valuable skills to support children and families. Our partnerships, like the one with the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence, strengthen our commitment to providing real-world learning experiences.
At RDP, our dedication to Resiliency and Child Advocacy is central to our values, aligning with regional and provincial priorities while leveraging the strengths of the Polytechnic.
Through strong partnerships, focused research and educational opportunities, we aim to create a nurturing environment that builds resilience, advocates for children's well-being, and strengthens communities for a brighter future.