By Sarah Mills

Child welfare review changes to possibly take place in 2011

Dec 17, 2010 | 8:07 PM

If Saskatchewan's child welfare system is going to get an overhaul, the work won't begin until 2011.

Several recommendations have come out of the review into the system, but none of them are specific or target driven.

Chair Bob Pringle is recommending a more accessible system and one that allows First Nations and Metis greater control of their children.

“Give the money to the communities, and believe in the power of those communities to come up with their own solutions,” said Pringle.

Minister June Draude says now they must look at how to put the recommendations into practice.

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“How do we work with our stakeholders, the First Nations and Metis people and the foster homes, to make sure that we can provide the supports in their own home areas and their own homes,” said Draude.

However, those answers won't come out until the spring, after consultations with aboriginal groups and other stakeholders by a new committee made up of all family-serving ministries.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) is optimistic about what is contained in the review. It recommends giving aboriginal groups greater control of the children in their care.

“We are very focused on the family and the children, we do have to ensure that we focus our development on culture and tradition,” said Vice-Chief Dutch Lerat.

The FSIN is looking over the report and will make a more formal statement on Monday.

Any positive change that comes from the system-wide review is welcomed by the NDP, but David Forbes says at this stage he is only cautiously optimistic.

“Optimism because we hear these things and we agree with many of the recommendations, but caution around the political will to move forward very quickly because we know the crisis is real and is here now,” said Forbes.

He wants the government to act quickly to address the issues raised in the report. You can view it by clicking here.

Photo of Social Services Minister June Draude and Child Advocate Bob Pringle taken by Sarah Mills on Dec. 16, 2010.

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