According to a June 6 news release, the province’s Department of Families and Affordability has launched a “comprehensive public engagement process” as part its review of the Children, Youth and Families Act — legislation guiding the province on its delivery of child protection, youth services and oversight of children and youth in care.
Legislation requires that the province review the Act every five years and “consider the areas which may be improved.”
“This statutory review will focus on key policy areas such as child welfare practice with Indigenous children, youth and families, permanency planning for children and youth in need of protection, outcomes for children and youth in care, youth transitioning to adulthood, as well as information sharing in the best interests of children and youth,” states the release.
The engagement process will give “individuals and stakeholders” the opportunity to provide feedback on the Act.
“This process will consist of targeted in-person and virtual dialogue sessions, telephone consultations and questionnaires,” the release goes on to state.
Also, those interested can provide input online or via written submission. Further details are provided in the release.
Families and Affordability Minister Jamie Korab said Newfoundland and Labrador is “committed to the safety and well-being of children and youth” needing protection.
Korab emphasized the importance of keeping kids with their families.
“We recognize the importance of children and youth remaining with their families and are committed to offering services that are designed to maintain, support and preserve a family where it is in the best interests of children and youth,” said Korab in a statement. “I encourage all individuals to participate in these public engagement opportunities to provide meaningful input on strengthening the Children, Youth and Families Act.”
Of particular interest will be feedback on how the province deals with the protection of Indigenous children.
According to a 2021–22 report from the province, the “overrepresentation of Indigenous children and youth in the child welfare system continues to be a significant issue across Canada, including in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The report goes on to note that Indigenous children accounted for 13 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador’s child population. However, they accounted for 35 per cent of the children and youth in provincial care that fiscal year.
“These statistics are concerning, and while efforts are underway to change this trend, increased knowledge and awareness of how child welfare services are performing in regard to Indigenous families is needed,” stated the report.
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