Child, Youth and Family Services
May 16, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services:

Highlighting the Key Assets' Family-Based Care Pilot Project

Mr. Speaker, as we continue to face a shortage of family-based placements for children and youth in care in certain regions, I am pleased to rise today to highlight a creative approach that is helping to increase these placement options.

Recently, the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services entered into an agreement with Key Assets Newfoundland and Labrador to establish the Key Assets' Family-Based Pilot Project. This project provides family-based placements for children and youth in care who have a range of complex needs and/or are part of a sibling group.

Through this project, Key Assets recruits, assesses and trains those providing care, as well as provides 24-hour wrap-around supports. Our social workers monitor these homes and the children and youth placed in them, as well as work closely with Key Assets to develop "in care plans" for these children and youth. To date, 13 children have been matched and eight homes approved.

We are pleased to continue collaborating with Key Assets, a non-profit organization providing residential and family-based care and support services to young people and families with complex needs.

Mr. Speaker, through Budget 2016-17, we have reiterated our commitment to ensuring the protection and well-being of children and youth. We will continue to focus on further enhancing child and youth care through an investment of approximately $150 million for child protection.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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2016 05 16                              1:55 p.m.