With her Ministry under the microscope over recent announcements of staffing shifts, The Minister for Children and Family Development, Mary Polak put Prince Rupert on her travel itinerary last week, stopping in for a coffee and maybe a burger at the Northwest Inter Nation Family and Community services barbecue on July 24.
Minister Polak outlined how it is her belief that the BCGEU with their their commentary on the issues of last week, muddied the issue of recent staff shifts.
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At that time, the issue of layoffs proved to be a hot button discussion point as the union outlined its concerns with the Ministry direction, while Minister Polak suggested that they were commenting before all the relevant information was provided.
She detailed the latest staffing changes for the Daily News in the Monday, July 27 edition.
MINISTER VISITS PRINCE RUPERT
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Monday, July 27, 2009
Pages one and five
They want Prince -Rupert to know they are there and aware.
The Northwest Inter-Nation
Family and Community Services Society hosted its first annual barbecue Friday in an ' effort to raise the organization's profile in Prince Rupert. '
Joining them before lunch' was the Minister for Children and Family Development, Mary Polak, who discussed the decision to move six full time child t protection positions in Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Terrace to NFCSS.
Polak said that the BC Government Employees and Services Union had commented before all the relevant information was published; which \I she felt made it look like the layoffs were a surprise when, in fact, they weren't.
"The unfortunate part is the way the BCGEU made it a media issue, which muddled it up," said Polak,
She said she wasn't sure whether it was a communications problem on the ministry's end, but the BCGEU never picked up the phone to clarify the layoffs with her.
For the NFCSS) the additional responsibility of taking on .nine aboriginal communities on the North Coast was greatly welcomed, but the key will be how much funding the child protection organization receives to properly work from Kitimaat Village to Iskut, a region that is large and difficult to manage.
"[The change] will be better in the sense that now First Nations communities can take full ownership and local control to make their own decisions on children at risk," said NFCSS Regional Guardianship Supervisor, Kathleen Bennett.
Bennett was pleased that ministry representative Polak had taken the opportunity to meet up with her and her team while in town.
But she added that it would actually be a federal responsibility to fund her programs from now on.
Bennett said that her organizations wants to and may need to expand its staffing levels. They currently have 19 staff members working in three offices located in Kitselas, Iskut and Prince Rupert.
She said that getting staff would prove to be a challenge as many locations are quite remote, such as Hartley Bay, which means costly air flights or ferry rides.
"The current funding is not adequate. But with more funding we can do a better job of giving more culturally relevant services," said Bennett. "However, what is most exciting about this is that communities want to take back control of these services."
Showing posts with label Changes at Ministry of Families and Children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Changes at Ministry of Families and Children. Show all posts
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
What they have here is a failure to communicate
It’s finger pointing time when it comes to who has the real story with recent service changes with the Minister for Children and Family services.
As we outlined last week, the Ministry is transferring some of its service delivery resources to First Nations organizations in the Northwest, a move that may see current employees transferred, or as events might require in some circumstances laid off.
While the Minister may be technically right in her interpretation of the current change, the handling of the issue by the government certainly could have been explained much better, as it turned out the news cycle was dominated by the union position that cuts had been made.
And in the end they may have the final say, if in fact any of the current staff members should be laid off, then the concerns expressed last week would be validated.
As it is, the situation is a rather confusing little mess, something that could have been avoided with a bit more thought and attention to the proper procedures and flow of information.
At the moment however, it would appear that it’s turf protection time, as we learn from the latest developments as relayed in the Daily News.
Lost in all of the confusion it seems is the mandate of the Ministry of properly serving the families and children of the province, considering the way that this change has been handled, the lack of information regarding the coming changes and the impact that they could have on many lives, those families didn’t get very good service from the government last week.
MINISTRY FOR CHILDREN HAS MADE SOME STAFFING CHANGES
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Monday, July 20, 2009
Page two
How much child poverty services will be affected by recent job transfers depends on who you talk to.
According the BC Government and Services Employee Union (BCGEU), the Ministry for Children and Family Development has cut six full time child protection positions in Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Terrace.
The BCGEU are upset that they were not told about the cuts before they implemented.
Darryl Walker, president of the BCGEU, said he's concerned by the news.
"Poverty is at the root of most child protection cases." said Walker in a press release. "With rising unemployment and more people on welfare, the economic downturn has put even more pressure on families-particularly in northern communities like Terrace."
Minister Mary Polak said that she is upset, too. She is angered at what she calls BCGEU spin doctoring.
"To say that somehow services have been cut is absolutely ridiculous," said Polak.
There are 90 employees working for the Ministry of Children and Families in the northwest.
Polak, said that her ministry has not cut the jobs.
She said that they have merely transferred them to aboriginal agencies that would take the responsibility because she felt they would be best suited in that role in communities with high First Nation populations.
In fact, the ministry argues that they have increased the positions in Prince Rupert to 24 from 19.
The Nisga' a Child and Family Services agency will get five positions - four in Prince Rupert and one in Terrace - while the Northwestern Inter-Nation Family and Community Services Society received three positions, two in Terrace and one in Prince Rupert.
"There are no layoffs taking place, there are no positions being eliminated," said Polak. "What is happening is the delegated agencies are taking over increasing responsibility for aboriginal children in the area, And as they do that, and this isn't the first time and won't be the last, naturally we transfer the funding."
Polak said it would be up to the Aboriginal agencies to decide who works under them to fulfill the child poverty worker roles. That could mean that current employees could lose their jobs if the agencies feel that another candidate, especially one of Aboriginal ancestry, fits more in-line with where they believe they need to be heading.
However, this does not always mean lay-offs, the minister said they have the option of transferring to another region.
The BCGEU staff said they were told efforts will be made to implement layoffs through attrition and leaving vacancies unfilled, but they were warned layoffs may occur. They were also encouraged to apply for vacant positions in Dease Lake - 600 kilometres to the north.
The disquiet over the changes reflects a concern about how B. C. deals with child poverty.
Though the child poverty rate has declined over the last three years, according First Call: B.C. Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, B.C. still ranks as the province with the worst child poverty rate in the country.
The BCNDP reacted with anger that the cuts were coming.
North Coast MLA Gary Coons and Skeena MLA Robin Austin say that child-protection workers in the northwest are the latest victims of Gordon Campbell's pre-election budget deception.
"Gordon Campbell didn't campaign on cutting services for vulnerable children," said Coons. "This is more proof of the B.C. Liberals pre-election budget deception," said Coons.
The BCGEU says that six full time child protection worker positions will be eliminated from the region that includes Terrace, Kitimat and Prince Rupert because of budget shortfalls.
Coons worried that the provincial government was not putting the best interests of children ahead of budgetary concerns.
"Instead of protecting vital social services the premier puts children's lives at risk," said Coons.
"With poverty deepening due to deteriorating economic conditions we can expect an increase in children needing the services of the ministry," said Austin. "This is a cruel and senseless cut that puts children at risk."
As we outlined last week, the Ministry is transferring some of its service delivery resources to First Nations organizations in the Northwest, a move that may see current employees transferred, or as events might require in some circumstances laid off.
While the Minister may be technically right in her interpretation of the current change, the handling of the issue by the government certainly could have been explained much better, as it turned out the news cycle was dominated by the union position that cuts had been made.
And in the end they may have the final say, if in fact any of the current staff members should be laid off, then the concerns expressed last week would be validated.
As it is, the situation is a rather confusing little mess, something that could have been avoided with a bit more thought and attention to the proper procedures and flow of information.
At the moment however, it would appear that it’s turf protection time, as we learn from the latest developments as relayed in the Daily News.
Lost in all of the confusion it seems is the mandate of the Ministry of properly serving the families and children of the province, considering the way that this change has been handled, the lack of information regarding the coming changes and the impact that they could have on many lives, those families didn’t get very good service from the government last week.
MINISTRY FOR CHILDREN HAS MADE SOME STAFFING CHANGES
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Monday, July 20, 2009
Page two
How much child poverty services will be affected by recent job transfers depends on who you talk to.
According the BC Government and Services Employee Union (BCGEU), the Ministry for Children and Family Development has cut six full time child protection positions in Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Terrace.
The BCGEU are upset that they were not told about the cuts before they implemented.
Darryl Walker, president of the BCGEU, said he's concerned by the news.
"Poverty is at the root of most child protection cases." said Walker in a press release. "With rising unemployment and more people on welfare, the economic downturn has put even more pressure on families-particularly in northern communities like Terrace."
Minister Mary Polak said that she is upset, too. She is angered at what she calls BCGEU spin doctoring.
"To say that somehow services have been cut is absolutely ridiculous," said Polak.
There are 90 employees working for the Ministry of Children and Families in the northwest.
Polak, said that her ministry has not cut the jobs.
She said that they have merely transferred them to aboriginal agencies that would take the responsibility because she felt they would be best suited in that role in communities with high First Nation populations.
In fact, the ministry argues that they have increased the positions in Prince Rupert to 24 from 19.
The Nisga' a Child and Family Services agency will get five positions - four in Prince Rupert and one in Terrace - while the Northwestern Inter-Nation Family and Community Services Society received three positions, two in Terrace and one in Prince Rupert.
"There are no layoffs taking place, there are no positions being eliminated," said Polak. "What is happening is the delegated agencies are taking over increasing responsibility for aboriginal children in the area, And as they do that, and this isn't the first time and won't be the last, naturally we transfer the funding."
Polak said it would be up to the Aboriginal agencies to decide who works under them to fulfill the child poverty worker roles. That could mean that current employees could lose their jobs if the agencies feel that another candidate, especially one of Aboriginal ancestry, fits more in-line with where they believe they need to be heading.
However, this does not always mean lay-offs, the minister said they have the option of transferring to another region.
The BCGEU staff said they were told efforts will be made to implement layoffs through attrition and leaving vacancies unfilled, but they were warned layoffs may occur. They were also encouraged to apply for vacant positions in Dease Lake - 600 kilometres to the north.
The disquiet over the changes reflects a concern about how B. C. deals with child poverty.
Though the child poverty rate has declined over the last three years, according First Call: B.C. Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, B.C. still ranks as the province with the worst child poverty rate in the country.
The BCNDP reacted with anger that the cuts were coming.
North Coast MLA Gary Coons and Skeena MLA Robin Austin say that child-protection workers in the northwest are the latest victims of Gordon Campbell's pre-election budget deception.
"Gordon Campbell didn't campaign on cutting services for vulnerable children," said Coons. "This is more proof of the B.C. Liberals pre-election budget deception," said Coons.
The BCGEU says that six full time child protection worker positions will be eliminated from the region that includes Terrace, Kitimat and Prince Rupert because of budget shortfalls.
Coons worried that the provincial government was not putting the best interests of children ahead of budgetary concerns.
"Instead of protecting vital social services the premier puts children's lives at risk," said Coons.
"With poverty deepening due to deteriorating economic conditions we can expect an increase in children needing the services of the ministry," said Austin. "This is a cruel and senseless cut that puts children at risk."
Friday, July 17, 2009
Child protection to bear the brunt of budget cutting from Liberals
In a move that surely should provide for a bit of a backlash, the Provincial government appears to be making those that have the least and may be in the most need, bear the cost of their suddenly required budget reductions and re-allocations.
Staff at a number of Northwest Child Protection offices were informed of the pending staff cuts as the Ministry tries to come to terms with the balance required for the staffing of front line social workers with the funding provided by the government to cover salaries.
Workers in Prince Rupert, Terrace and Kitimat were informed on Thursday that six positions were going to be eliminated in the Ministry of Children and Families, possibly through the process of leaving vacancies empty and with attrition, but the prospect of potential layoffs could be also be involved.
Staff at a number of Northwest Child Protection offices were informed of the pending staff cuts as the Ministry tries to come to terms with the balance required for the staffing of front line social workers with the funding provided by the government to cover salaries.
Workers in Prince Rupert, Terrace and Kitimat were informed on Thursday that six positions were going to be eliminated in the Ministry of Children and Families, possibly through the process of leaving vacancies empty and with attrition, but the prospect of potential layoffs could be also be involved.
The timing of the cuts to services is particularly bad, considering the current economic climate of the Northwest, the need for that front line assistance for children and families is perhaps at its greatest than it has been in a number of years.
As anyone who has wandered down the streets of Rupert this year might have noticed, there is a rather large presence of youth in the city, many of whom most likely could be helped by the services offered by the Ministry, however, if budget cuts continue to chip away at the staffing levels and add to the burden of the files for those left behind, it's most likely a safe bet that some will be falling through the cracks.
With all the money the government has spent on Spirit Squares and the endless stream of advertising telling us how we're the best place on earth, perhaps a bit of financial reallocation might be in order to better serve the taxpayers and those in the most need.
The government of course must account for the declining economic situation and find ways to balance their books and such, but so far with the recent announcements in the Health Ministry and now the latest development in the Children's and Families Ministry, it seems that the Campbell Liberals are putting the burden on those that should be protected the most.
It's not a plan of approach that they announced during the recent election campaign, at no time did the need for such measures make it into the debate during the spring election which eventually returned Mr. Campbell to office.
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As for the current developments, the Minister Mary Polak however, counters the view that these are layoffs, instead she suggests that the Ministry is just transferring some of the files over to Aboriginal agencies. They will apparently take over the cases of First Nations residents. She suggests that the current uproar is more of a case of union fear mongering and delivering false information.
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Regardless off the approach, the devolution of cases to other offices is still changing the current dynamic and in the end one would suspect that positions will be reduced in the main Ministry offices.
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It will be interesting to see how each side interprets those numbers and the information that is starting to flow from these decisions, but lost amongst all the rhetoric is the fact that families and children in particular may find their lives disrupted by all of the ongoing drama.
It seems disingenuous to believe that this was not on the drawing board before May, and now that the Liberals have been safely returned to office, we may just begin to wonder how far they plan to go with their new sudden dedication to service reductions and ongoing change.
Some may cautiously suggest, that sadly, we haven't seen anything yet!
The Northern View-- Northwest child protection workers told of staff reductions
The Prince George Citizen-- Child protection workers laid off due to budget cuts
The Northern View-- Northwest child protection workers told of staff reductions
The Prince George Citizen-- Child protection workers laid off due to budget cuts
The Vancouver Province-- Job cuts on the way
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