Released on December 9, 2003
Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford accepted the Children's Advocate report on child deaths that occurred in 1999, which was released earlier today. The Minister plans to review the report and meet with the Children's Advocate to discuss the recommendations. There will be a formal response from the department to the Children's Advocate."The death of every child or youth is of deep concern to me," Crofford said. "It is important for us to review child deaths, to learn from them and to look for ways to improve child-serving programs and services even though there is no direct correlation between any of the deaths in 1999 and the services those children received from government agencies."
"The safety and well-being of all children and youth in the province continues to be our primary concern. I want to thank the Children's Advocate for her work, and for the assistance she provides in improving outcomes for children," Crofford said.
Community Resources and Employment provides child welfare programs to children, youth and their families who come to the department's attention. Many of these children and youth are vulnerable, experiencing medical, social and emotional challenges.
The Minister of Community Resources and Employment is responsible for child welfare services in the province. The vast majority of children are served through family support programs at home. When child safety cannot be assured at home, children are placed in the care of the Minister, either temporarily or permanently.
Since 1992, Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment has had a child death review policy. In 1996, the department asked the Children's Advocate to conduct external independent reviews of child deaths. This is in addition to the department's internal review.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Herman Hulshof Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0531 |