SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS MADE ON BABY ANDY RECOMMENDATIONS

The Government of Saskatchewan and First Nations groups have made substantial progress on recommendations outlined in the Baby Andy Review Report, which was released last July to improve the child welfare system in Saskatchewan. Highlights of the progress include improved training, communication, information sharing and tracking of information.

"The safety and well-being of all children continues to be our first priority," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "When the report was released in July 2003, we took responsibility and accepted the report and its recommendations. As promised, we are reporting back, and I am pleased to say our progress is substantial. The province and First Nations community will continue to build a seamless child welfare system that meets the long-term needs of all Saskatchewan children, wherever they live."

"I am pleased with the progress that has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Baby Andy Review Report, and I am grateful to the Board of Directors and the staff of our child and family services agency for their dedication in serving our communities," Montreal Lake Cree Nation Chief Richie Bird said. "The leadership of Montreal Lake Cree Nation has renewed confidence in our agency. We appreciate the help we are receiving from Community Resources and Employment."

The mandate of the province's child welfare services is the safety and protection of children in Saskatchewan communities. The Minister of Community Resources and Employment has responsibility for child welfare services in the province. Responsibility to deliver these services on reserve is through agreements between the department and 17 First Nations Child and Family Services agencies.

In September 2002, following injuries to Baby Andy in his home, a joint review panel involving Montreal Lake Child and Family Agency and Community Resources and Employment was formed to examine the services provided to Baby Andy and his family. The Children's Advocate assisted the panel by gathering the facts and observing the panel proceedings. Following completion of the review in July 2003, the Chief of Montreal Lake Cree Nation and the Minister of Community Resources and Employment jointly released the panel's Baby Andy Review Report. They accepted the report recommendations and made a commitment to report back on progress in one year.

The progress reports are available at www.dcre.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Herman Hulshof Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0916

Vic Taylor Montreal Lake Cree Nation Regina Phone: (306)924-3991