Investments in Important Social Programs Support the Well-Being of Children and Families

Advancements Made to Child, Youth and Family Services Through New Initiatives

During 2013, the Provincial Government continued to transform service delivery for children, youth and their families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Several new initiatives were implemented this year with a specific focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of children and youth, which included improving supports and services in Natuashish, introducing new adoption legislation, and enhancing youth supports.

“Over the course of the past year, our government has remained focused on transforming service delivery for our children, youth and their families. As we continue to make the necessary reforms to safeguard our province’s most vulnerable children and youth, the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services is further strengthening all programs and services with the introduction of new initiatives and enhancements to existing programming.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services

The Provincial Government has made significant efforts to improve service delivery in Labrador, in particular in the community of Natuashish. As of December 2, the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services commenced its new fly in – fly out model in order to provide more supports and consistency on the ground for the children, youth and families of Natuashish. This new approach, which is in addition to permanent staff already located in the community, comprises two separate fly in teams. Each team has one clinical supervisor and two social workers that go to Natuashish for a two-week period on a rotational basis and work 12-hour shifts each day.

In addition, a progressive new piece of legislation that focuses on the safety and well-being of children involved in the adoption process was introduced. This new legislation, Adoption Act, 2013, was passed in the House of Assembly on December 5 and ensures the best interest of the child. Key highlights of the new legislation include helping to streamline government processes with adoptions; expanding the definition of relative; providing the provision for adult adoptions; and, enhancing post adoption services.

Furthermore, the expansion of the Supporting Youth with Transitions pilot program was announced in June. This program provides enhanced supports and services to help at risk youth successfully make the transition to early adulthood. With the addition of life skills coordinators located throughout the province, more youth now have access to hands-on interventions that help them build necessary life skills in a variety of areas such as daily living and self-care, financial management, and career and education planning.

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

QUICK FACTS

• Significant progress continues to be made in transforming service delivery for children, youth and their families.
• In December, the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services commenced its new fly in - fly out model to provide more human resources, supports and consistency on the ground in Natuashish.
• In Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, the Provincial Government invested a total of $401,600 to expand the Supporting Youth with Transitions pilot program.
• The new adoption legislation, Adoption Act, 2013, was passed in the House of Assembly on December 5 and will help to streamline and expedite the adoption process, ensure the adoption program is progressive, clarify and modernize the law respecting adoptions, and align principles with the Children and Youth Care and Protection Act, where appropriate.

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Media contact:
Michelle Hunt
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 725-1593
michellehunt@gov.nl.ca 

2012 12 23             3:20 p.m.