Child and Youth Advocate Expresses Concerns About Natuashish

Carol A. Chafe, the Child and Youth Advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador, said today “I have increasing concerns regarding the critical situation that children and youth living in Natuashish are facing and enough is enough!”

I acknowledge that the responsibility for providing programs and services to that community lies with several provincial government departments and the Federal Government. However, I am calling on the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS), which has the legislated mandate to protect children, to take immediate aggressive action to ensure the safety, protection and well-being of these children.

Today, I am also calling on all other government departments who have responsibilities to the community of Natuashish to work with CYFS in taking immediate action to provide necessary supports to the adults of the community. I also ask that they develop and implement a strategic plan to address the overall issues in Natuashish to help build a healthier community.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) clearly identifies the right to safety and protection at all times for every child, no matter where that child lives.

As part of my mandate and legislated responsibilities, I will be closely monitoring this situation to see that appropriate action is taken to address the immediate concerns facing the children and youth of Natuashish. I will also be monitoring the long term plan of sustaining a healthier community.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Janice Mullins
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
709-753-3888
janicemullins@ocya.nl.ca 

2012 09 26             2:15 p.m.