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If you or someone you know is at immediate risk or harm call 911
For 24 hour support and referral, call Family Violence Info Line 310-1818

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk or harm call 911
For 24 hour support and referral, call Family Violence Info Line 310-1818

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Safe Spaces - Call for Proposal (CFP)

Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (AEAAC)

CFP Issue Date: February 2, 2024
CFP Closing Date and Time: March 5, 2024 - 4:30 pm
Submit CFP to: elderabusealberta@gmail.com

Are you a currently a grant funded community by the AEAAC?
If so, here is the opportunity to apply for safe spaces.

Background Information

Elder abuse is any intentional or reckless act or willful and negligent disregard, occurring within a relationship of family, trust or dependency, directed at someone 65 years of age or older, that:

  • Causes physical harm
  • Causes emotional or psychological harm
  • Involves the misappropriation or misuse of money or other personal possessions or personal or real property.
  • Subjects an individual to non-consensual sexual contact, activity or behaviour
  • Fails to provide the necessities of life

It is estimated one in 10 older adults may be a victim of elder abuse. Older adults who are socially isolated are at a higher risk of experiencing elder abuse. Elder abuse Safe Spaces are a valuable resource to support older adults fleeing abuse. Minimal supports exist outside of the large urban centers, therefore the need for creating Safe Spaces in several communities for those older adults experiencing abuse, living in rural, remote, and Indigenous areas will have older adults receive supports in their chosen communities.

To enhance access to Safe Spaces for older adults experiencing abuse, a Safe Spaces program model in various communities will be used in a call for proposals across the province. The program model will be based on the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network (LEARN) Safe Suites model. The LEARN Safe Suites (Safe Spaces) model is flexible and responsive to demand and available resources. The model uses existing community infrastructure (e.g., local seniors housing providers) to match seniors in need of Safe Spaces with available suites.

Overarching principles of the Safe Spaces program include:

  • Demonstrated demand within the community.
  • Available space at local community older adults housing such as a Lodge.
  • Willing and able partners in the community.
  • Sustainable partnership model.
  • Cost efficiency.

The Safe Spaces model will be used in communities with there are active elder abuse CCR’s and Case Manager’s. Older adults experiencing abuse will be referred to a safe space program within their chosen community by their local Elder Abuse Case Manager. The Case Manager will then work with the local housing provider to find an appropriate suite for the older adult. The Case Manager will provide ongoing wrap around support and case management before, during, and after their stay in the suite. The Case Manager and the older adult will work together to determine next steps and what future safe living arrangements can be made. The local housing provider will bill the CCR for the cost of the older adult’s stay, based on a predetermined price.

This approach allows communities to design a model that addresses their unique geographic and cultural perspectives, including those of Indigenous, immigrant, and rural and remote communities. This approach has potential to meet the unique needs of older adults who require additional levels of care (e.g., supportive living, continuing care), which may not be available at shelters. The Safe Spaces model is not gender specific and is inclusive to all that are experiencing elder abuse. To ensure the safety and security of older adults, other residents, and housing provider staff, the Safe Space model is not appropriate for older adults fleeing violent or high-risk situations.

Program Description

The Safe Spaces program will provide temporary housing for the older adult, for those who want to leave their home due to abuse or neglect. They will be provided with a furnished lodge accommodation for up to 90 days. Service and supports will be provided by the Case Manager’s, their CCR’s and needed service providers; before, during and after their stay. The placement in the Safe Spaces program should serve to mitigate risk and ensure safety.

Service Description

The program approach is based on the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network (LEARN) Safe Suites model. The LEARN model is flexible and responsive to demand and available resources. This model uses existing community infrastructure (e.g., local older adults housing providers) to match older adults in need of shelter with available suites.

The Safe Spaces model will be implemented in communities with active CCRs and elder abuse Case Manager’s. Older adults experiencing abuse will be referred to a safe space program in their community by their local elder abuse Case Manager. The Case Manager will work with the local housing provider and publicly funded placements when possible.

The AEAAC will develop and work with communities to create and execute a memorandum of understanding based on each community’s own characteristics and available resources. There will also be the development of operational policies, procedures and forms that will be provided to Case Manager’s and CCR’s to guide placement in Safe Spaces programs. This will include discussion about connecting with the alleged offender during their stay.

Support services can be provided to mediate the issues that were elements of concern that had the older adult coming to the Safe Space’s program.

After hours support will be discussed and established based on the community needs.

The AEAAC will:

  • Work with Case Manager’s and communities to provide support from the Safe Spaces Support Worker.
  • Support Case Manager’s and communities with supports from the Indigenous Resource Navigator’s.
  • Provide policy and procedures in conjunction with Unison and Sage partners.
  • Support the Development of a Community of Practice with Unison and Sage to support communities.
  • Work with communities on the development of evaluation and reporting tools that will be based on current Government of Alberta data standardization.

Outcome goals

Key objectives - Older adults who are fleeing abuse have access to a safe place to stay and are connected to appropriate supports that may include: safety planning, counselling, health care and referrals to other community resources and outreach services as needed. All placements will be confidential.

  • To keep older adults safe within a safe space within their community or region
  • To provide a space for up to 90 days without a cost to the older adult
  • To ensure there is a plan for housing after the safe space time.
  • To practice trauma informed care for older adults
  • Transportation can be provided.

Grant Timelines

January – February 2024

  • Call for proposals opens February 2, 2024
  • Call for proposals closes March 5, 2024, no later than 4:30pm

February – March 2024

  • Adjudication committee reviews grant application and makes recommendations on successful candidates.

March – April 2024

  • AEAAC makes official approval of successful applications and communities are notified. Successful applicants may be required to participate in a formal announcement.
  • Communities are provided with program policies and procedures.
  • Successful communities will begin to participate in regular Community of Practice meetings.

April 2024

  • Funds are dispersed as outlined in an increment plan to successful applicants. Reporting is required quarterly.
  • Program evaluations are occurring and being recorded through data collection practices.

April 2024-April 2025

  • Execute grant requirements.
  • Collect, compile stats, and submit Data collection when due.
  • Final report due at the end of the grant terms

Safe Spaces Grant Guidelines

 The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (AEAAC) with funding from Seniors, Community and Social Services Ministry is please to provide a funding opportunity for Coordinated Community Response (CCR) models in Alberta.

The safe space funding will utilize the existing collaborations and working relationships of the CCR in communities across Alberta. Safe spaces will provide seniors with an opportunity to leave the abusive situation and receive supports from case managers and their network of supports in CCR’s.

Deadline
All applications and supporting documents must be received no later than 4:30pm on March 5, 2024.

Funding
Approved applicants may receive funding up to a maximum of $10,000 for Safe Spaces in their community and will be provided in increments outlined in the grant agreement. The start date is tentatively set for April 2024 with 12 months funded initially, then the potential to reviewed for up to 3 years.

Funding Goals

  1. Older adults fleeing abuse have enhanced access to Safe Spaces in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Alberta with them not having to leave their chosen community.
  2. Older adults accessing Safe Spaces, report that the program is meeting their needs.
  3. Older adults accessing Safe Spaces, report enhanced safety and experience an increase in overall well-being as a result of the program.
  4. Service providers report they are better able to support older adults experiencing abuse in their community.

Initiative Length
Up to 12 months funding provided in increments outlined in the grant agreement. Tentatively April 2024 – April 2025.

Letter of Commitment
A letter of commitment is required from a housing provider that would be willing to work with the local CCR to provide a safe space for an older adult. In addition, there would be a willingness to participate in the CCR as a member and commitment to being a part of a community of practice for safe spaces, that would provide assistance in the development of policies and procedures for the safe space.

Who Can Apply
Existing CCR’s in Alberta that are currently funded under the Taking Action Against Elder Abuse Community Response Project- Year 1 Grant Program or currently have a Safe Suite or Spaces model in place.

Eligible Expenses
Expenses must be directly related to the project initiative. If a Grant Recipient is uncertain if a proposed expenditure is eligible or ineligible, they should contact the Executive Director for the AEAAC, Joanne Blinco, prior to making the expenditure.

Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:

  • The cost of the older adults stay in a safe space, based on a predetermined amount.
  • Safe Spaces placement in a housing body.
  • Transportation costs that may include travel to the Safe Space or to and from appointments that are required by the older adult.
  • Mediation expenses

Ineligible Expenses
Ineligible expenses include but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol
  • Space rental
  • Monthly parking fees
  • Expenses incurred prior to application approval
  • Research
  • Administration fees
  • Auditing/bookkeeping and legal fees
  • Insurance
  • Development or advertising of general awareness materials

Are you a currently a grant funded community by the AEAAC?
If so, here is the opportunity to apply for safe spaces.

How to Apply

Submit an application form along with the required supporting documents to elderabusealberta@gmail.com no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 5, 2024.
When submitting your application package to be eligible for funding, ensure that the following is included:
Completed Application Form including budget and required signatures.
One Letter of Commitment from the Local Community Provider.
Current organizational membership list with contacts of the CCR group

Questions, Concerns or Comments? Contact

Joanne Blinco
Executive Director for the AEAAC
(P) 403.849.0101
(E) elderabuealberta@gmail.com

What is the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council?

The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council is a group of Albertans dedicated to increasing awareness and supporting a community response to elder abuse. The AEAAC was first formed in 2002, since that time we have undergone a name change, developed a new logo, developed resources, hosted several learning events, and became a non-profit society. Our history page can share the full scope of council work. What has never changed in that time is our dedication to raising awareness and addressing elder abuse.
AEAAC Our Story- 20 years in 2022

Canada’s fastest growing population is over the age of 65 and rapidly becoming vulnerable to abuse that can rob older adults of their well-being and dignity.

● A province-wide network of professionals
● Representing communities across Alberta
● Promoting the well-being and security of older adults
● Working to increase community awareness
● Developing resources to address and educate about elder abuse

Please click here to review our Strategic Plan.

Interested in becoming a member? Please visit our Membership page.

If you are concerned about a loved one or someone in your community, please click here to find the closest agency to contact for help.

Alberta Seniors and Housing

Thank you to Alberta Seniors and Housing for their ongoing support as a Funder and Partner

Our Values

Our belief is that no one organization has a broad enough scope to address the complex issue of elder abuse in its entirety. A truly effective community response involves many stakeholders working in collaboration.

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All Rights Reserved.

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