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Child, Youth and Family Services
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
November 18, 2010

Steering Committee for CYFS Services Established in Labrador

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.

Media contacts:

Susanne Hiller
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148,
697-3760
susannehiller@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Tansy Morgan
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services

709-729-1377, 685-2646
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca
Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
Nunatsiavut Government
709-896-8582
bert_pomeroy@nunatsiavut.com
Christopher Montague
President
NunatuKavut Community Council
709-896-0592
cmontague@labradormetis.ca
Joseph Riche
Grand Chief
Innu Nation
709-497-8398
jriche@innu.ca

2010 11 18                                                      3:20 p.m.


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