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© Copyright 2010
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Questions and Answers
Why conduct a child welfare review?
The Ministry of Social Services is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all children in Saskatchewan. It is acknowledged that the well-being of children goes beyond legislative boundaries and for these reasons the review will explore other areas of child welfare. It has been several years since there have been any major amendments to The Child and Family Services Act or The Adoption Act.
Is the review of legislation only?
No. The review of child welfare in Saskatchewan will be comprehensive—including prevention, child protection, foster care and adoption services—leading to a renewed vision for children and families in our province. The review will also focus on reducing the significant over-representation of First Nations and Métis children involved in the child welfare system. It is anticipated there will be legislative changes to The Child and Family Services Act 1989 and The Adoption Act 1998 as a result of this review.
What is the role of the independent panel?
The principle outcome of the panel’s review will be to provide recommendations to government to help ensure that the child welfare system provides better outcomes for Saskatchewan’s children. The panel will engage in several key phases of work:
- Plan the process: Develop a strategy and methodology for the review and consultations.
- Consultation: Engage stakeholders and include stakeholder perspectives in the panel’s recommendations.
- Final report: Provide the Minister of Social Services with a final report in fall 2010, including recommendations for the government’s consideration to further improve the child welfare system.
Who is serving on the independent panel?
The independent panel will be chaired by former Social Services Minister and current Saskatoon city councillor and human services consultant Bob Pringle. Other panel members are Howard Cameron, April Durocher, and Carol Skelton. Panel membership reflects the diversity of views in Saskatchewan, including First Nations, Métis, rural, urban and youth perspectives.
What stakeholders will be consulted during this review?
There will be significant consultations with First Nations and Métis people and organizations. In addition, the following will be consulted:
- Community-based organizations that provide child and family-related services;
- Service provider groups;
- Organizations that support children, youth and families;
- Child welfare experts, including Ministry of Social Services staff; and
- Other provincial organizations and stakeholders
When can the Ministry expect the panel’s recommendations?
A final report is expected in fall 2010.
Why are the panel’s recommendations non-binding?
While the panel’s recommendations are not binding on government, they will be considered by the Ministry of Social Services as it continues to examine program and legislative policy changes to the child welfare system.
Have other jurisdictions undergone a child welfare review?
Most jurisdictions in Canada have undergone child welfare reviews, which have varied in scope. Some reviews have focused on legislation (Alberta); others on First Nations services (New Brunswick, Manitoba); some on governance and business models (Nova Scotia). As a result of these reviews, these jurisdictions have undertaken broad system-wide changes to improve services to children and families.
When are consultations taking place?
The Saskatchewan Child Welfare Review is holding stakeholder consultations through out the province from April to June 2010.
How can I become involved?
Stakeholders will be invited to participate in the consultation process through one of three ways.
- Electronic Consultation – online questionnaire accessed by individuals through the Saskatchewan Child Welfare Review website. This approach is open to everyone. No invitation is required. It will be launched April 1, 2010.
- Written Submissions – written papers, letters, pictures, by individuals or organizations. Stakeholders will be invited to submit a written submission. The written consultation will be launched in mid-April 2010.
- Consultation Meetings – delegations meet with the panel to share their views on child welfare and/or the views of the group they represent. The panel will invite stakeholders to participate in a meeting and will be asked to provide a written submission.
What is the focus of the Panel’s consultation with stakeholders?
The Review Panel has set six broad themes to guide stakeholder consultations. These themes will be used to explore a new vision for child welfare in Saskatchewan. The themes are: Prevention, Protection, Quality of Care, Family Reunification, Permanency and Youth Transitions.
The panel has also developed 6 key questions that they will be used when consulting stakeholders. The questions are:
Prevention theme:
“What can be done to improve the prevention of child abuse and neglect? What should be done to prevent children and youth from coming into care?”
Protection theme:
“From your perspective, what needs to be done when a child or youth is abused or neglected?”
Quality of Care theme:
“What should be done to improve the experience of children and youth in care?”
Family Reunification theme:
“When a child or youth is in care, what steps need to be taken to return them to their family?”
Permanency theme:
“If a child or youth in care cannot return to their own parents, what should be done to support them to grow and develop in a stable, healthy environment?”
Youth Transitions theme:
“What should be done to better support youth in care as they become adults?”
I would like to meet with the panel, how can I arrange for a meeting?
The panel has selected a representative group of stakeholders to meet with them during consultation meetings. These groups represent many different perspectives and experiences. If you were not invited to participate in a consultation meeting, you are welcome to participate through the e-consultation or to submit your views in writing to the panel.
How will I know if I was invited to a consultation meeting?
Invitations are being sent to stakeholders being invited to participate in consultation meetings.
Are First Nations and Métis people being consulted?
Yes, First Nations and Métis people are being consulted. Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) has directed that the First Nations consultation be done through the First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies. Métis Nation of Saskatchewan will conduct their own internal consultations and report back the views of their consultations to the panel.
Where are the consultation meetings being held?
The panel will be meeting with stakeholders in Yorkton, Regina, Swift Current, Kindersley, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Meadow Lake, Prince Albert, Tisdale, Sturgeon Lake, and Stoney Rapids.
What will the panel do with the information they collect through the consultations?
All information and views collected through the consultation process will be considered by the Panel in developing recommendations to the Minister of Social Services on a new vision for child welfare in Saskatchewan.
Will my name be used in the report?
Submissions made by stakeholder organizations in consultation meetings and through the written submission process will become part of the public record. Individuals who provide a written submission to the panel can ask to have their name withheld from the public record. All electronic submissions provided through the eConsultation will be made anonymous.
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