Advocate for Children and Youth
February 18, 2015

The following statement was given today by Carol A. Chafe, Advocate for Children and Youth:

The Advocate�s Report on the Status of Recommendations 2014

Good Morning:

I will be giving a prepared statement, after which I will be happy to take questions. I am pleased to present The Advocate�s Report on the Status of Recommendations 2014. Since 2006, a total of seven (7) investigations and four (4) case reviews have been completed:

The seven (7) Investigations include:

  • Turner Review and Investigation, 2006;
  • Lost in Transition, 2009;
  • An Investigation into Janeway Psychiatry Unit J4D Programs and Services, 2010;
  • The Child Upstairs� Joey�s Story, 2011;
  • Turning a Blind Eye, 2012;
  • Out of Focus, 2012;
  • Sixteen, 2013.

The four (4) case reviews include:

  • Justice Complaint - Emergency Intake, 2011;
  • Youth in Adult Holding Facilities: Case 1, 2011;
  • Youth Corrections - Decisions Regarding Open Custody Placements, 2011;
  • Youth in Adult Holding Facilities: Case 2, 2013.

These eleven (11) reports include a total of 173 recommendations, which have been made to various government departments and agencies including: the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services; the Department of Health and Community Services; the Department of Justice (now known as the Department of Justice and Public Safety); the Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority, and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

Shortly after starting in the role of Advocate for Children and Youth, I recognized that previous recommendations made by the office required follow up to ensure completion. In 2011, I established a process to ensure that all recommendations made in reports by my office are completed. This process involves in-depth communication with relevant government departments and agencies. Currently, I request updates to outstanding recommendations on an annual basis to determine if the steps taken by the departments and agencies complete the recommendation or if additional information is required. This process continues until I have determined that the recommendation has been completed.

I have reviewed all seven (7) sets of recommendations made in the investigations as well as recommendations made in the four (4) case reviews. This report provides an overview of the recommendations made in each investigation and review, as well as the status of each recommendation as of November 2014.

It is important to note that three (3) of the investigations, Turner Review and Investigation, Lost in Transition, and An Investigation into Janeway Psychiatry Unit J4D Programs and Services were completed prior to my appointment in September 2010. In reviewing the recommendations included in these reports, I have determined that there are a total of fourteen (14) recommendations in the Turner Review and Investigation which are no longer applicable.

As of November 2014, the status of the 173 recommendations, based on responses from the departments and agencies, are as follows:

    66% - Implemented;
    14% - Implemented Through Alternative Measures;
    9% - Partially Implemented;
    3% - Not Implemented � Response Inadequate and Inappropriate, and
    8% - No Longer Applicable

This means that overall 88% of the recommendations have been addressed with 12% requiring further follow up.

Recommendations resulting from current and future investigations and reviews will be highlighted in the Advocate�s Report on the Status of Recommendations and released publicly on an annual basis.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the government departments and agencies involved for their cooperation in this intensive process. I would also like to commend each one for their progress in making legislative, policy, and procedural changes to services for children and youth.

I must stress that it is of great importance that all government departments and agencies ensure that there are ongoing efforts to enable managers and staff to provide a standardized practice throughout our province. While amendments to legislation, policies and protocols are crucial, it is just the first step to making lasting changes. It is only through consistent high-quality practices that our children and youth will receive the services they truly deserve. There is still work to be done and I look forward to continuing to work with departments and agencies providing services to the children and youth of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure their needs are met and their rights are upheld.

I have provided each of you present today with a copy of the report. As well, printed copies are available to the public upon request by contacting our office. The report can also be viewed on our website: www.childandyouthadvocate.nl.ca .

Thank you for your time today and I welcome any general questions.

Carol A. Chafe
Advocate for Children and Youth

2015 02 18                              11:15 a.m.