Alberta is spending $1.5 million over three years to pair police with social workers to intervene in situations of domestic abuse.

Kevin McNichol of Calgary HomeFront and Children and Youth Services said the response team will follow up in homes where domestic violence has occurred. Eight homicides this year in Calgary were attributed to domestic violence.

It is hoped the extra resources under the pilot program will provide a tailored response to families identified as high risk for repeated domestic violence.

The team will focus on families who have had repeated incidents of domestic violence reported to police and who want to make changes before the courts become involved.

Through co-ordinated case planning and joint response, the team aims to connect families with community support services within 72 hours of a reported incident.

"It gives us that opportunity to go to that home," McNichol told CBC News. "We can address safety and protection. We can also address the social services … and follow up and follow through. A front-line responder just doesn’t have time."

"The intent ... is to make contact with families proactively rather than reactively," said Calgary police Chief Rick Hanson. "We want to provide support and resources before violence occurs and before they find themselves entering the justice system. We're in the early stages of the trial phase, but the reception has been very positive."