In keeping with the mandate of the Department of
Child, Youth and Family Services to revitalize service delivery across
the province, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Child, Youth and
Family Services, has established a steering committee to focus on the
Labrador region.
Provincial ministers from the Departments of Labrador
and Aboriginal Affairs and Health and Community Services will join
Minister Burke on the committee, alongside leaders from the Innu Nation,
Nunatsiavut Government and the NunatuKavut Community Council (formerly
Labrador Metis Nation).
The department is currently developing a new
provincial organizational model to address systemic issues, improve
service delivery for children, youth and families and better support
frontline staff across Newfoundland and Labrador. This committee will
ensure that the new structure recognizes Labrador's unique
circumstances. The inaugural meeting was held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
last week.
"While designing this model, it has become evident
that there are many unique challenges inherent in delivering CYFS
services in Labrador which need special attention," said Minister Burke.
"As we set up the new department, we have to make sure that we look at
all cultural and geographic considerations in the larger picture. We
recognize that an approach that may work in Gander may not work in Nain.
But we can't do this in isolation. We need to draw on the culture,
knowledge and the experiences of the members of this committee. At the
end of the day, children are our primary responsibility and I believe
that we have embarked on a process that is important to our success."
The new organizational model is currently being
fine-tuned in other regions across the province. Child, Youth and Family
Services staff and programs from the Regional Health Authorities are
expected to transfer to the mandate of the new department over the next
year under the new structure. An Aboriginal consultant, based in Happy
Valley-Goose Bay, has been hired to ensure all polices and programs are
culturally relevant.
"Labrador has some of the most isolated communities in
the province, creating great challenges in the delivery of services,
particularly in terms of child protection," said the Honourable Patty
Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "The formation of this steering
committee indicates a more collaborative approach, which is necessary to
bring about the positive changes we are seeking. This is a strong
indication that we are entering into a new era, one that will see us
better able to identify the needs of communities."
"By establishing a special team in Labrador, the
Provincial Government has clearly acknowledged there are issues that
have to be addressed in terms of how services are delivered here," said
the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs.
"Accessible and effective programs and services that
reflect the unique challenges of Labrador communities is a clearly
stated goal in the Northern Strategic Plan. With the input of
people at the ground level, we now have an excellent opportunity to
create the best possible system for the care of children."
Christopher Montague, President of the NunatuKavut
Community Council, thanked the Provincial Government for recognizing
that the system has to be tailored differently in Labrador, stating: "We
appreciate being included in the process and look forward to continuing
to work with the department."
"All of us at the table are willing to put in the work
and I am very optimistic about the process of working together for the
best interest of the children and our culture," agreed Keith Russell,
Minister of the Department of Health and Social Development for the
Nunatsiavut Government. "The Provincial Government has our full support
and we want to be a big part of this."
At the end of the first meeting, Joseph Riche, Grand
Chief of the Innu Nation, drew on a childhood memory of his
grandfather's woodstove.
"This process reminds me of my grandfather's woodstove
fire. He would open the stove door, letting the air in to help build the
flames that keep us warm," said Grand Chief Riche. "By opening the door
to the Innu community, we will be heard and provide input to ensure this
transformation will be done right. Something has begun, and we have to
keep that fire warm. We contribute by bringing new wind and new life. I
like the open door approach that Minister Burke is taking."
In April 2009, the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador announced the creation of a new Provincial Government
department dedicated to helping ensure the protection and well-being of
children and youth in this province. Child, Youth and Family Services
programs include protective intervention, community youth corrections,
youth services, adoption, and child care services.
Budget 2010 committed
approximately
$167 million to focus on the department's continued development,
provide critical services, and
drive improvements throughout the system.
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Photo 1: The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services meets with members of the Labrador Steering Committee to discuss how CYFS services should best be delivered in the region. Front Row: (Left to Right) Kathleen Benuen, Director of Health, Mushuau Innu First Nation. Back Row: President Christopher Montague, NunatuKavut Community Council; Chief Simeon Tshakapesh, Mushuau Innu First Nation; Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs; Honourable Keith Russell, Minister of Department of Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut Government; Chief Sebastian Benuen, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation; Minister Burke; Grand Chief Joseph Riche, Innu Nation; Band Councillor Simon Pokue, Mushuau Innu First Nation; Jack Penashue, Director of Social Health, Sheshatshiu Innu First nation.
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