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Minister Broten’s statement in response to the release of the first report and working papers of the Commission to Promote Sustainable Child Welfare

July 5, 2010

Children and youth receiving support and protection from Ontario’s children’s aid societies are some of the most vulnerable kids in our province and I am committed to seeing that they have every opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Commission to Promote Sustainable Child Welfare has provided important advice on changes to improve our child welfare system. We value the insight that the Commission has provided and will be taking the following steps based on their advice:

• My ministry is taking immediate action to reduce duplication and unnecessary reporting requirements, including considering long-term changes to ensure any new administrative processes are less burdensome, and in the best interests of kids;
• Recognizing that one size does not fit all, we will work with our Regional Office Directors to better understand local and unique circumstances facing communities;
• We will continue our important dialogue with Aboriginal governments and communities, and CASs especially those in the North; and
• My ministry will continue working together with CASs to determine how to align services in the best interests of serving the kids in their communities.

We have heard from the Commission, from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), and front-line staff across Ontario. We know that staff at CASs want to spend more time with kids and families and less time with paperwork. That is why we are committed to reducing the administrative burden on CASs.

The Commission’s report and working papers are an important first step toward a sustainable child welfare system. I look forward to the Commission’s specific recommendations on the potential models of consolidation and other considerations this fall.

As we move forward together with all of our partners, our central focus will be to maintain stability in the sector while ensuring that kids are safe and protected so that they can achieve their full potential.

Minister Laurel Broten