Minister announces advisory committee for the Child, Youth and Family Services Act

Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, is pleased to announce the members of the advisory committee for Child Youth and Family Services. The purpose of the committee is to review the operation of the Child Youth and Family Services Act and report to the Minister of Health and Community Services on whether the principles and purpose of the act are being achieved.

"The members of the committee were appointed because they have each shown an outstanding commitment and interest in ensuring the well-being of children and youth in our province," said Minister Smith. "Their diversity will help us ensure that children, youth and families across the province have a voice in the implementation of policies and programs that effect them."

The members of the minister�s advisory committee are: Dr. Ken Barter, Ivy Burt, Carla Conway, Des Dillon, Cathy Earles, Gloria Harris, Steve Kent and Barbara MacAdam. The members come from all areas of the province and from a variety of backgrounds.

Minister Smith says the appointment of this committee is one of many steps government has taken in recent years to improve programs and services available to children and youth.

"We, as a government, have made great strides to improve services and programs for children, youth, their families, and communities. In the fall of 2002 the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate officially opened. We have also partnered with the federal government on Stepping into the Future, Newfoundland and Labrador�s early childhood development initiative and the National Child Benefit Agreement," he said. "The advisory committee on the Child, Youth and Family Services Act complements the strategic initiatives we have been working on to strengthen the range of services and programs available to children, families and communities."

The advisory committee on the Child, Youth and Family Services Act will be holding consultations with individuals, groups and organizations throughout the province who express interest in contributing to the review of the operations of the Child Youth and Family Services Act. Individuals wishing to comment on the act or set up a consultation can do so by calling toll-free 1-866-729-2368.

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377

2003 08 14                                       2:40 p.m.