More support for children and youth

  • Posted: June 12, 2026

More support for children and youth
Alberta’s government is investing $4M in the modernization of the Wood’s Homes Bowness campus in Calgary.

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Children and youth in care deserve safe, stable and supportive environments where they can heal, grow and thrive. As Wood’s Homes marks its 100th anniversary, Alberta’s government is investing $4 million to support the expansion of the Bowness campus in Calgary. This funding will help create more modern spaces that will support approximately 80 children and youth in care.

Rick Wilson, Searle Turton and Bjorn Johansson at podium

From left to right: Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction; Bjorn Johansson, chief executive officer for Wood’s Homes; and Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services celebrate the 100th anniversary for Wood’s Homes.

While family-based placements like kinship and foster care are always prioritized, group homes and campus-based care provide specialized supports for young people with complex needs while maintaining family, community and cultural connections. Wood’s Homes supports approximately 20,000 children, youth and families across Alberta each year.

“For 100 years, Wood’s Homes has helped generations of young Albertans find safety, stability and hope. This latest funding will help continue that legacy, ensuring more children and youth can access the specialized care and support they need in the years ahead.”Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services

“Supporting the wellness of young people is a top priority for Alberta’s government. We know addressing mental health and addiction challenges early helps build resiliency and brighter futures, and we are proud to partner with Wood’s Homes on this exciting expansion.”Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

The Bowness campus has been integral to the work of Woods’ Homes since 1926. The modernization project includes four new cottages providing safe, welcoming spaces and wraparound supports for young people.

“On behalf of Wood’s Homes, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Children and Family Services and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction for their $4-million commitment to the future of children’s mental health care on the Bowness campus. This investment is about more than infrastructure; it is a commitment to the thousands of children, young people and families who will benefit from these services, and an investment in hope, healing and the future of care in Alberta.”Bjorn Johansson, chief executive officer, Wood’s Homes

Alberta’s government has invested more than $1 billion this year to support the safety of children and youth in government care, a five per cent increase in funding. This includes rate increases and an expanded referral incentive for foster and kinship caregivers, pay increases and enhanced mental health supports for child intervention practitioners, and additional investments in provincial campus-based care centres serving youth in rural and remote communities.

Quick facts

  • Wood’s Homes supports approximately 20,000 children, youth and families across Alberta each year.
  • Alberta’s $4-million investment in the Bowness campus expansion is jointly funded by Children and Family Services and Mental Health and Addiction.