The Provincial Government is moving forward with additional measures to strengthen the province�s Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS) system. The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, today outlined these measures which are part of the province�s response following the release of reports from the Minister�s Advisory Committee on the Child, Youth and Family Services Act; the Turner Review and Investigation; and the Deloitte Organizational and Operational Review.

"Our government has been working diligently to make significant improvements based on the recommendations of these reports," said Minister Wiseman. "The next step is a clinical review of Child, Youth and Family Services in collaboration with each of our four regional health authorities. This review is an essential part of our multi-faceted approach to help ensure positive outcomes for children, youth and their families."

The Deloitte review focused on organizational and operational matters. Social workers identified priority needs to support them in their work and to meet provincial standards of practice for CYFS.

"We have been working to meet the needs identified by our social workers � this has included the creation of additional social work and support staff positions and enhanced professional development and training," said Minister Wiseman. "A clinical review will complement these measures and will address the areas of clinical supervision, case management and clinical tools available to social workers." The review will encompass the four main CYFS programs in each of the four regional health authorities: protective intervention, family services, youth services, and children in care.

Following a national call for proposals, the Department of Health and Community Services is in the process of finalizing arrangements with a consulting team who possess significant expertise in all aspects of child welfare practice, including substantial clinical, managerial and quality assurance expertise. The contract valued at approximately $123,000 will be awarded within the coming weeks. Staff from the Department of Health and Community Services and the regional health authorities will work with the consulting team as they carry out the review.

"Through this process we have sought to find individuals who are nationally-recognized in their field and have the necessary expertise required to conduct this highly-specialized and comprehensive analysis," said Minister Wiseman. "I am confident that the outcome of this work will effectively support the implementation of quality assurance processes for the Child, Youth and Family Services System."

The Department of Health and Community Services has also begun a strategic planning process which will involve input by community groups, educators, health professionals, representatives of the justice system, and organizations which provide services to children, youth and their families. A two-day planning forum will take place on February 12 and 13, with the focus of ensuring a well-developed and relevant strategic plan. A significant theme of the event will be co-operation, integration and collaboration among all stakeholders and service providers.