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- Children and Families
Where we are today:
Funding for the Ministry of Children and Family Development has been increased and more front-line staff are now providing support for at-risk children and their families. More children at staying at home with their families – 1,500 fewer children are in government care today than in 2001. Adoptions have nearly doubled since 2001, and support has been increased to foster families. The number of children and youth with special needs receiving services has doubled since 2001.
Challenges and Opportunities:
More than half of children in care are Aboriginal despite the fact Aboriginals make up just eight per cent of B.C.’s population. B.C. was the first province in Canada to adopt Jordan’s Principle which commits the provincial government to protect Aboriginal children regardless of who, or which, level of government is technically responsible.
Discussion:
How can the province support Aboriginal communities and families to reduce the number of Aboriginal children in care and meet the objectives of Jordan’s Principle? Should government continue to explore alternative options to government care when it comes to children at risk? What can government do to ensure children and youth with special needs have the support they need?
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