New Brunswick Review of First Nations Child Welfare
May 12, 2009No CommentsMinister requests child and youth advocate to review child welfare in First Nations communities (09/05/12)
May 12, 2009
FREDERICTON (CNB) – An independent review of child welfare services in provincial First Nations communities will be conducted by Child and Youth Advocate Bernard Richard. Social Development Minister Mary Schryer made the announcement today.
Richard will review roles, responsibilities and reporting mechanisms within First Nations child welfare services, and issue recommendations aimed at renewing the delivery of services.
“Bernard Richard is a respected advocate for children and youth in our province, and is well placed to undertake an independent review of this nature,” said Schryer. “This review will take place as First Nations, the federal and provincial governments continue to work collaboratively on the implementation of new prevention-based child welfare services.”
Schryer made the announcement as she responded to recommendations of the Child Death Review Committee, which were released publicly on March 26. The committee reviewed the case of a child who was receiving services from a First Nations child and family service agency.
Aboriginal Affairs, Social Policy