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October 29, 1997
(Justice)
(Human Resources and Employment)


Provincial government releases Inkpen report

Chris Decker, Minister of Justice, and Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, today released the Inkpen Report, a study on youth correctional centres in the province. The independent report was completed by Dr. Linda Inkpen who conducted a review of security, programs and internal organization of the Newfoundland and Labrador and Pleasantville Youth Centres.

"The report makes recommendations about how corrections and rehabilitation programs can best meet the needs of young people in conflict with the law," said Ms. Bettney. "I wish to thank Dr. Inkpen for accepting this challenge with such commitment."

"Dr. Inkpen makes 57 recommendations in her report, the majority of which are cost-neutral and related to in-house system and program generated improvements," said Mr. Decker. "To date, government has implemented 22 of the recommendations, is in the process of implementing 24, and are still reviewing 11. We appreciate Dr. Inkpen's insight into our secure custody facilities and thank her for her thoroughness and attention to detail."

Dr. Inkpen acknowledges that proactive intervention strategies will ultimately lead to less need for secure custody and will be of greater value to children and society. Both ministers support efforts for early intervention and prevention, and also recognize that these are essential if we are to have programs that address the real issues surrounding youth in conflict with the law.

Some of the more noteworthy recommendations which have already been acted on include enhanced individual case management for each resident; streamlining of certain bureaucratic processes including a reduction in the layers of management; and the integration of youth care workers more directly in rehabilitation programs.

More specifically, government is in the process of implementing "self-directed work teams" at the Whitbourne facility consisting of a social worker, youth care worker, academic teacher, psychologist and nurse. The objective is to provide a more responsive and coordinated case management approach to each individual resident of the facility. With the expansion of the professional role of youth care workers, we are also developing, and delivering, additional training programs.

Government is also pursuing the development of a long term "Strategic Plan" for Secure Custody, and an Integrated Service Delivery system for children, youth and families will be implemented in 1998 which will ensure a coordination between all child and youth services.

Contact: Karen McCarthy, Director of Communications, Executive Council, (709) 729-0084, or Jill Sooley, Director of Communications, Human Resources and Employment, (709) 729-4062.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A copy of the Update on Status of Implementation from the Inkpen Report is posted on the Internet with the News Release or is available by contacting the Communications and Consultation Branch at (709) 729-3610.

1997 10 29 3:00 p.m.

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