A call to improve upon on the startling state of affairs at the Ministry of Children and Family Development when it comes to Aboriginal children is gaining momentum as critics of the provincial government department digest the findings of John Doyle’s disappointing review of how the department is handling its files.
While progress has been made over the last few years, there are still many outstanding issues that need to be addressed and remedied quickly in order to provide a more effective and equitable access to child protection services.
On Tuesday, The Daily News provided a follow up look on its article from Monday’s newspaper.
'Repair the ministries' problems for sake of children'
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Pages one and three
The release of British Columbia Auditor General John Doyle's critical audit of the Ministry of Children and Family Services last week is being welcomed by the First Nations Summit, for revealing startling shortcomings in the protection of Aboriginal children.
The audit was conducted with the intention of determining how well the Ministry of Children and Family Development is managing efforts to provide effective, culturally appropriate and equitably accessible child protection services.
While he noted that government has made progress in improving collaborative efforts among Aboriginal organizations and government ministries, Doyle said "more collaboration and a more strategic approach" is needed.
The Auditor General of Canada Sheila Fraser also released a similar report after auditing Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), in which she concluded that funding provided by INAC to First Nations child welfare agencies has inequities and note enough policy requirements to assure positive outcomes for children.
“Combined, these reports reveal a startling picture of how the welfare of vulnerable Aboriginal children is often subjected to government whimsy,” said Grand Chief Edward John, member of the First Nations Summit political executive.
“This is totally unacceptable. Both governments must move with the highest priority and extreme diligence to address the important recommendations and findings contained in these reports, which among other things, found our children do not receive appropriate in-care services comparable to other children, nationally or provincially.”
Grand Chief John went on to say that the revelation that aboriginal children and families suffer due to systemic indifference is an embarrassment in Canada, and will hopefully persuade both the federal and provincial governments to address the issues.
Tome Christensen, Minister of Children and Family Development, responded to the report by acknowledging clear challenges in the system, as reflected by the fact that aboriginal people represent only eight per cent of B. C.’s population but account for more than one-half of the children in the care of the ministry.
“The issues are complex, they require a thoughtful long0term approach and because the child welfare system involves the provincial and federal governments and approximately 200 First Nations, broader decisions require a collaborative effort if we are going to make the kind of progress we all desire,” said Christensen. “Ensuring that aboriginal communities have access to a full range of effective services that reflect and support culture and tradition is a key aspect of improving outcomes for vulnerable aboriginal children and youth. Let there be on doubt that there is strong commitment on the part of the ministry, government and First Nations to improve the system of support for vulnerable Aboriginal children and families.”
While progress has been made over the last few years, there are still many outstanding issues that need to be addressed and remedied quickly in order to provide a more effective and equitable access to child protection services.
On Tuesday, The Daily News provided a follow up look on its article from Monday’s newspaper.
'Repair the ministries' problems for sake of children'
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Pages one and three
The release of British Columbia Auditor General John Doyle's critical audit of the Ministry of Children and Family Services last week is being welcomed by the First Nations Summit, for revealing startling shortcomings in the protection of Aboriginal children.
The audit was conducted with the intention of determining how well the Ministry of Children and Family Development is managing efforts to provide effective, culturally appropriate and equitably accessible child protection services.
While he noted that government has made progress in improving collaborative efforts among Aboriginal organizations and government ministries, Doyle said "more collaboration and a more strategic approach" is needed.
The Auditor General of Canada Sheila Fraser also released a similar report after auditing Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), in which she concluded that funding provided by INAC to First Nations child welfare agencies has inequities and note enough policy requirements to assure positive outcomes for children.
“Combined, these reports reveal a startling picture of how the welfare of vulnerable Aboriginal children is often subjected to government whimsy,” said Grand Chief Edward John, member of the First Nations Summit political executive.
“This is totally unacceptable. Both governments must move with the highest priority and extreme diligence to address the important recommendations and findings contained in these reports, which among other things, found our children do not receive appropriate in-care services comparable to other children, nationally or provincially.”
Grand Chief John went on to say that the revelation that aboriginal children and families suffer due to systemic indifference is an embarrassment in Canada, and will hopefully persuade both the federal and provincial governments to address the issues.
Tome Christensen, Minister of Children and Family Development, responded to the report by acknowledging clear challenges in the system, as reflected by the fact that aboriginal people represent only eight per cent of B. C.’s population but account for more than one-half of the children in the care of the ministry.
“The issues are complex, they require a thoughtful long0term approach and because the child welfare system involves the provincial and federal governments and approximately 200 First Nations, broader decisions require a collaborative effort if we are going to make the kind of progress we all desire,” said Christensen. “Ensuring that aboriginal communities have access to a full range of effective services that reflect and support culture and tradition is a key aspect of improving outcomes for vulnerable aboriginal children and youth. Let there be on doubt that there is strong commitment on the part of the ministry, government and First Nations to improve the system of support for vulnerable Aboriginal children and families.”
No comments:
Post a Comment