"If those services don’t exist, or there are huge waiting lists, those plans are just pieces of paper in ministry filing cabinets."
It is, sadly, not surprising the provincial government is failing some 4,500 children in long-term care.
The latest audit by the Representative for Children and Youth found just five out of 100 children had plans of care that met the ministry’s requirements.
Plans of care are critical documents. Parents know their own children - their strengths and weaknesses, the areas where they need help, when it’s time to go to a dentist.
But children and youth in the government’s care routinely move through a succession of foster homes. Frontline workers are responsible for some 30 individuals.
Without a written plan of care, regularly updated with the participation of the youth and others, there is a real risk that children will fall through the cracks. They won’t get help or opportunities, and small problems will fester.
This isn’t a new, surprising program. It has existed since the ministry for children and families was created 17 years ago.
It is a critical failure. The government has acknowledged that and committed to improvements, including more funding as it is required.
Fixing the planning process is essential to identify the services and support children and youth need - from social workers, foster parents, schools, health professionals.
But if those services don’t exist, or there are huge waiting lists, those plans are just pieces of paper in ministry filing cabinets.
The community social services sector delivers many of those services and supports, through private and non-profit agencies across the province.
And today, the sector is in crisis. Underfunding and freezes have left agencies unable to meet even critical needs.
That’s why anyone concerned for the future of children and youth, families, seniors and so many others who need a little help should be working to make support for the sector an issue in this election.
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