BUDGET IMPROVES SERVICES TO FAMILIES

Released on March 27, 2001

Social Services will hire 54 new positions in child welfare to improve

services to Saskatchewan's children, youth, their families and caregivers.



The 2001/2002 provincial budget will provide $2.25 million for 54 full-time

equivalent positions, including:



Twenty caseworkers, who will work with children and youth in care,

their families and caregivers;



Twenty-five administrative support positions. These positions

increase the amount of time caseworkers have to work with children

and youth, their families and caregivers by handling administrative

tasks. Fifteen of these positions were added on a temporary basis

in November and will be recruited permanently once the

classification process is complete; and



Nine supervisory and management positions. These positions will

enhance accountability measures, improve staff development and

recruitment and help strengthen relationships with key partners and

stakeholders such as the Aboriginal community.



"These new resources allow our child welfare staff to improve both the

quantity and quality of their interaction with children and youth in care,

their families and caregivers," Social Services Minister Harry Van Mulligen

said. "We will also be able to strengthen our involvement with other

resources within the community, such as health care professionals,

educators and First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies.



"The Children and Youth in Care Review, released by the Children's Advocate

last April, clearly articulated the need to provide more time and resources

to caregivers and to make practices consistent with department policies and

legislation."



Van Mulligen indicated a broader response to the Children and Youth in Care

Review will be made later this spring. There are approximately 3,000

children and youth in care of the Minister of Social Services in foster

care, group homes, other residential facilities or living independently.



"My role as parent to those children and youth in my care is a

responsibility I take very seriously," Van Mulligen said. "This is why we

have sought advice from all quarters to improve the quality of care to

these children and youth. Further reforms will continue to be informed by

consultations with staff, stakeholders and communities.



"This funding helps achieve our government's fundamental goal of

responsible and healthy citizens, families and communities."



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For more information contact:



Doug Wakabayashi

Saskatchewan Social Services

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-8689