The Provincial Government has outlined a multi-faceted approach to strengthen the province�s child protection system, in response to the recommendations of the Turner Review and Investigation. The report, released today by the Child and Youth Advocate, was prepared by Dr. Peter H. Markesteyn who conducted the investigation.

The response was provided today by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

"First and foremost, we are committed to addressing the findings of the Turner report; however, we can not forget the lives that this tragedy has touched. On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I express my deepest sympathies to the families involved," said Minister Osborne. "Government takes very seriously the recommendations outlined by Dr. Markesteyn in his report. We acknowledge that improvements can and should be made to the Child, Youth and Family Services system throughout the province. We will work in partnership with the regional health authorities, experts and stakeholders to ensure that necessary changes occur to strengthen the province�s child protection system."

"Government has already begun to invest in the areas of child, youth and family services through adding new positions to the provincial office and in the four regional health authorities, providing funding for training and evaluation, as well as other key investments in the last three years. Specifically, in Budget 2006, we announced $2.7 million to add 55 new positions, the majority of which are social work position, over a three year period for the Child, Youth and Family Services Program in the regional health authorities. However, we recognize that more needs to be done," said Minister Osborne.

Minister Osborne has received the 29 recommendations related to Child, Youth and Family Services and announced an action plan in response to recommendations in the report. Items in the action plan include:

The operational and organizational analysis will be undertaken by the Halifax office of Deloitte Inc. and will address any required changes in the organization and management of child protection services at each of the four regional health authorities, the Department of Health and Community Services, and the relationship between the authorities and the department in relation, but not limited to, the findings of the "Turner Review and Investigation." A final report will be due on December 31, 2006.

"While the operational analysis is ongoing, my department will complete a thorough assessment of the report�s findings and recommendations, and consult with experts in the area of legislation, policy, training and multi-disciplinary practice, and we will hold a roundtable discussion with stakeholders to get their reaction to the report," said Minister Osborne. "We will immediately take action in two areas identified in the report: we will develop policy specific to children whose parents are charged with a violent crime, and will implement training for social workers to address Dr. Markesteyn�s concerns."

The minister said he has met with the Child and Youth Advocate and has outlined to her his department�s response to the Turner Review and Investigation as it relates to Child, Youth and Family Services, and will provide regular updates to the Advocate on progress.

Minister Osborne said "This case also highlights the legal responsibility that each and every one of us has, as members of the community and as service providers, to report information if we have concerns about the safety of children."

Minister Marshall expressed sympathy to the Bagby and Turner families for their tragic loss and thanked Dr. Markesteyn and Mr. Day for the thoroughness of their report. Minister Marshall said, of the recommendations, there are 10 which focus on the provincial delivery of justice services, two of which will improve the knowledge of persons posting security for those on bail. We have already taken steps to implement these through consultation with the courts."

"The remaining recommendations relate largely to the authority of the Chief Medical Examiner. I intend to give these careful consideration in consultation with the Child and Youth Advocate, the Chief Medical Examiner and my Cabinet colleagues," said Minister Marshall.

"I only hope that the findings of this report and subsequent action will bring a measure of solace for the families. Government is committed to enhancing the delivery of justice services in Newfoundland and Labrador so as to ensure public confidence in the administration of justice," concluded Minister Marshall.

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