Family Resource Networks (FRN)

As of April 1, 2020 Family Resource Networks replace former Parent Link programs and expand their mandate to  deliver prevention and early intervention services and supports for children aged 0 - 18, through a provincial network of community-based service providers.  The MD of Bighorn is working with our area partners to continue to develop and deliver programs for children and families in our area.

Bow Valley Family Resource Network

The Town of Canmore is provincially funded to offer Hub coordination, and Child Development and Caregiver Capacity Building spoke services. The spoke services provided through the Town of Canmore will offer Universal (open to everyone) and Targeted programming (open to those who need some additional support) for families with children 0-18 years. For general inquiries, contact at frnadmin@canmore.ca

Bow Valley FRN Facebook page has current program offerings 


Cochrane Family Resource Network


Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is receiving funding for an FRN hub, and to provide child development and parent capacity-building programs. Services offered through the Cochrane FRN will include:
  • Essential needs programs for families with children birth to 18
  • Supportive counselling and referrals to other services
  • System navigation and advocacy
  • Early childhood development programs
  • Developmental screening
  • Parent education
  • Rural early childhood development programs

Children’s Cottage, an agency located in Calgary, was awarded the Home Visitation contract for the Cochrane area; the Town’s request for funding to provide intensive support for families with children aged seven to 13 and youth was denied.

The Boys & Girls Club of Cochrane & Area is receiving funding to continue providing preventative programming for children and youth aged seven to 18.

The current COVID-19 response has delayed the official opening of the Cochrane and Area Family Resource Network. Keeping staff and residents safe is the top priority for the Town and the new FRN; although the doors are not open, staff are working hard to ensure residents have uninterrupted access to support, resources, information and referrals.

Staff can help with access to food, housing support, information on financial benefits, supportive counselling and individual parenting support. In addition, a variety of parent education programs and child development programs are being offered online. Programs and services can be accessed by calling 403-851-2250.

Cochrane and Area FRN Facebook page has current programming information
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