Child, Youth and Family Services
March 24, 2014

Investing in Important Social Programs to Help Ensure the Safety and Well-being of Children and Youth

Provincial Government Commences Implementation of New Delivery Model for Staffed Residential Placements

The Provincial Government announced today a new framework for staffed residential care that will help enhance the care options for children and youth in need of out-of-home placement. Contracts, some of which span three fiscal years, have been negotiated at a total cost of $36 million. These contracts will focus on providing greater stability and improved programming for just over 100 children and youth with the most complex emotional, medical and/or behavioural needs.

“Our government recognizes the importance of ensuring that children and youth in need of out-of-home care receive the best quality programs and services possible. Under our Continuum of Care Strategy, we are pleased to announce the new delivery model for level four staffed residential placements. This new model includes the negotiation of contracts for just over 100 placements totalling $36 million for our most vulnerable children and youth.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services

A Request for Proposals (RFP) for staffed residential placements was issued during winter 2013, which provided the Provincial Government with the opportunity to clearly identify the programs and services required for staffed residential care, as well as ensure an open and transparent process. Contracts have been negotiated for a total of 101 placements located throughout the island portion of the province for the following service providers: Blue Sky, Key Assets Newfoundland and Labrador, Waypoints, and Shalom.

Blue Sky is an organization based in Newfoundland and Labrador that provides residential care and support to children and families through a range of accredited programs and services.

“With a model of care grounded in an internationally recognized professional practice framework, Blue Sky is committed to keeping children and their families central to our processes.”
- Anne Whelan, Executive Director, Blue Sky Family Care

Key Assets Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit organization providing residential care and support services to young people and families with complex needs.

“Key Assets is excited to be a part of the new continuum of care. We look forward to a continued collaboration with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services as we work towards improving the lives of children, youth and families in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- Heather Modlin, Director, Key Assets Newfoundland and Labrador

Waypoints is a non-profit charitable organization which has been providing child and youth care to vulnerable children, youth and families for more than 35 years.

“As a long-standing partner in the community that is overseen by a voluntary board of directors, Waypoints is delighted to continue its partnership with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services through this new service delivery model for staffed residential care. Our key focus remains on ensuring a high standard of quality programming and services for the province’s children, youth and their families.”
- Tara Laing, Chair of the Board of Directors, Waypoints

Shalom, a non-profit organization established in 1975, provides residential and support services to children and youth who are in the care of Child, Youth and Family Services.

“Shalom is pleased to continue working in partnership with the Provincial Government as it moves forward with the implementation of level four staffed residential placements. We will be continuing to provide the necessary quality care for our children and youth.”
- Rene Estrada, Chairperson, Shalom

Through the RFP process, no submissions were received for the 11 placements in Labrador; therefore, the current service providers will continue to provide services at this time.

The Government of Newfoundland Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• As part of the Continuum of Care Strategy, the Provincial Government has negotiated contracts totalling $36 million for just over 100 staffed residential placements that will provide care to children and youth with the most complex emotional, medical and/or behavioural needs.
• The Continuum of Care Strategy consists of four levels: level one kinship homes, level two foster homes, level three specialized foster homes, and level four staffed residential placements.
• This four-level system recognizes the skills and training of foster parents and children and youth in care can be matched to the placement option that can best meet their needs.
• The first two levels of the new four-level system have been fully implemented, and today marks the commencement of implementing level four staffed residential placements. As well, training for level three specialized foster homes is scheduled to begin later this month.

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2014 03 24                                               12:10 p.m.