Report Criticizes B.C.'s Handling of Aboriginal Child Welfare System

The BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has released a new report that is critical of the government’s handling of B.C.’s Aboriginal child welfare system.

The report titled, Closing the circle: a case for reinvesting in Aboriginal child, youth and family services, says the system is complex, unsuitable, under-resourced, severely under-staffed, and struggles under its own complexity.

“The political leadership of our province must take responsibility for properly prioritizing and resourcing B.C.’s Aboriginal child, youth and family welfare system to avoid further tragedies,” says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith.

The report finds that B.C.’s Aboriginal child welfare system requires a major investment in resources, staffing, cultural training, and improved transparency, and financial accountability. Grand Chief Stewart Philip says the system needs to be fully revised with the joint planning of Aboriginal peoples.

“The provincial government can no longer ignore its moral responsibility to recognize that Aboriginal people must be supported in exercising their jurisdiction over their children. It's time to close the circle,” stated Stewart. “It's time for the provincial government to fully embrace and act on this report's findings, and ensure that Aboriginal children and families are receiving the support they need and deserve.”

Key themes of the report include: systemic administrative complexity; historical and cultural factors; the lack of trust between Aboriginal families and communities and the child and family welfare system; lack of funding for culturally-appropriate services; insufficient staffing levels and training.

Stewart is calling on the province to address cultural sensitivities and historical injustices and to define a new culturally appropriate model. The report says the province must recognize that continued removal of Aboriginal children and youth from their homes is a strong reminder of the legacies of the residential schools.

Recommendations include more funding for mental health, special needs, and parenting programs that currently have wait times in excess of years. There are a total of seven recommendations from the report being given to the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

Minister Stephanie Cadieux has released a statement following the release of the report, stating that no one from the BCGEU has contacted her.

"I look forward to speaking with the union about this report and their observations. To be clear, though, any work we do together must involve Aboriginal and First Nations leaders, as they are key in helping us to develop culturally sensitive and appropriate policies and procedures for the ministry and for Delegated Aboriginal Agencies,” Cadieux said in the statement.

Cadieux says the ministry will review the recommendations but will only do so “in the context of other work currently underway.”

To read the full report visit the BCGEU website here.