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.
Education, Research and Community Support
The synergy between CACAC and RDP drives explorations into educational programs, both in credit and non-credit areas, and delves into applied research 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, research, community awareness and education stands as a testament to our collective dedication in fostering a resilient and supportive community.
Applied Learning and Partnerships
Applied research in resiliency and child advocacy at RDP focuses on a unique approach that places a strong emphasis on integrated practice and harnessing the power of data analytics to advance new best practices. In this dynamic field, researchers and practitioners collaborate closely to develop comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted challenges faced by children and promote their overall well-being.
Integrated practice involves the seamless coordination of various disciplines, such as psychology, social work, education, and healthcare, to create holistic solutions that cater to the diverse needs of vulnerable youth. Leveraging data analytics is a key component of this approach, enabling researchers to analyze vast datasets and derive meaningful insights to inform evidence-based interventions.
By incorporating the latest technological advancements, applied research in resiliency and child advocacy strives to enhance the effectiveness of programs and policies, ultimately fostering a more resilient and supportive environment for children facing adversity. This intersection of integrated practice and data analytics represents a forward-thinking paradigm that holds great promise for shaping the future of child advocacy.
Students at RDP actively engage in immersive learning experiences through practicums and internships, gaining invaluable insights and skills in supporting children and families. The alignment of our educational mission with partnerships like the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence fortifies our commitment to providing applied learning experiences that prepare our students for real-world challenges.
At RDP, our commitment to Resiliency and Child Advocacy stands at the core of our values, aligning with regional and provincial priorities while leveraging the strengths and capacity areas of the Polytechnic.
Through steadfast partnerships, dedicated research initiatives and educational opportunities, we strive to create a nurturing environment that empowers resilience, advocates for children's well-being and fortifies communities for a brighter future.