(CKOM Staff)

By CKOM News

Social services making major investments to support at-risk kids, families

Apr 13, 2023 | 12:27 PM

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Social Services is making some big investments to support at-risk children and families.

According to the ministry, the 2023-24 fiscal year will see an estimated $174 million spent on contracts with 106 separate third-party service providers that support at-risk kids and families in their homes and communities. That figure represents an increase of $4.9 million over 2022-23, the ministry added.

“The Ministry of Social Services relies on its partnerships with community-based organizations to deliver essential supports and services to children and families across the province,” Gene Makowsky, Saskatchewan’s social services minister, said in a statement.

In addition, the ministry said 18 new child service worker positions will be created — at a cost of $1.4 million — to provide direct support to children in care and ensure standards are met. A further $350,000 has also been earmarked to bring on six additional staff members to perform oversight at group homes caring for children.

According to the ministry, the Saskatchewan government is boosting its investments in child and family programs, which include $54 million invested in prevention programs “to support families to safely care for their children at home,” and $49 million going to extended family caregivers.

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The ministry said it will also invest an additional $825,000 to boost the basic maintenance rate foster families and extended family caregivers receive to help cover the costs of childcare.

Deb Davies, executive director of the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association, said the recent provincial budget “truly recognizes the important role that foster families and family-based caregivers play in providing a safe and supportive network for children and youth in crisis.”

Makowsky said the increased investments in child and family programs will help ensure families and communities are supported as they care for children.

“When a child does have to come into care, our goal then becomes reunification, providing services and tools on parenting, counselling, domestic violence prevention and addictions services,” Makowsky said.