New program to support Sask. families in crisis

A new provincial program has been introduced that pledges to connect families in crisis with “immediate help and ongoing assistance” in the central west part of the province.

The initiative — called Family Intervention Rapid Support Teams (FIRST) — was announced by minister of justice and attorney general Gordon Wyant.

“We are pleased to introduce this program, which directly serves families experiencing violence and supports them as they navigate the system in a time of personal crisis,” Wyant said.

The Ministry of Justice is investing $128,000 into the FIRST program.

The program will be delivered by the Kindersley-based West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre Inc. Trained outreach workers with the support centre will be in place for intervention and “collaborative, timely services to families in crisis across central west Saskatchewan.”

To help reduce the risk of future violence, outreach workers with the FIRST program will also provide ongoing support to families.

An earlier intervention, too, could help lower the likelihood of family violence and reduce demands for emergency services — an aim of the program.

“This program will be a valuable tool in our province and I am glad that it is being introduced to the Kindersley area,” said Kindersley MLA Ken Francis.

“During challenging times, families need support from their community.”

The program is expected to be operational as of Sept. 1, 2021.