Investing in Children, Youth and Families � New Government Department Being Created

Health and Community Services
March 26, 2009

Investing in Children, Youth and Families �
New Government Department Being Created

The Williams Government is creating a new department responsible for child, youth and family services in Newfoundland and Labrador. Budget 2009 includes an investment of $8.5 million for increased support and resources to the child, youth and family services system in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Our government continues to ensure children, youth and families are supported and have access to programs and services that will help them thrive and prosper," said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. "This year, we are strengthening that focus with the creation of a new department. We will also further invest in human resources to enhance the provision of supports and services throughout the province."

As the Provincial Government initiates the process of creating a new government department, the provision of services and programs to children, youth and their families will proceed uninterrupted. Those requiring access to services and supports will continue to contact staff of Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS) in the regional health authorities and visit the same community offices.

As part of the $8.5 million investment for CYFS in Budget 2009, measures include:

$2.8 million to fund 23 new positions and annualize the cost of positions added in 2008. These positions will strengthen the delivery of programs and services and allow for further development of multidisciplinary teams that include a skill mix of social work assistants and administrative staff, in addition to program managers and social workers;

$1.3 million to strengthen foster care rates in the province;

$1 million for program growth;

$367,000 to support a leadership team and initiatives aimed at making systemic improvements to the child, youth and family services system within the province; and,

$803,000 to continue supporting orientation, training and mentorship and technological aids for social workers; and,

$277,000 to implement an alternative dispute resolution service.

An additional investment of $275,200 will provide for two new lawyer positions for Child, Youth and Family Services.

"The Provincial Government will ensure that the new structure and continued investments will further support programs and services to benefit the children, youth and their families," said Minister Wiseman. "This announcement will enable continued growth and stability and result in a positive impact on those who avail of our services everyday."

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Media contact:

Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca

2009 03 26 2:10 p.m.

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