CHILDREN'S ADVOCATE RELEASES CHILD DEATH REPORT

Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford accepts the Children's Advocate report on child deaths that occurred in 2000 and 2001, which was released earlier today.

Community Resources and Employment provides child welfare programs to children, youth and their families who come to their attention. Many of these children are the most vulnerable and medically fragile of our society.

"The death of every child or youth is always a tragedy and warrants our deepest consideration and reflection," Crofford said. "The safety and well-being of all children and youth in the province continues to be our primary concern. It is important for us to review child deaths, to learn from the circumstances of each child's death and the services provided to them, and to look for ways to improve child-serving programs and services. I thank the Children's Advocate for her work in representing the interests and well-being of children and youth."

Community Resources and Employment has made considerable improvements to the child welfare system since the 2000 and 2001 child deaths. These include more comprehensive training for staff and supervisors, an enhanced assessment of risk, the implementation of file audits and other quality improvement initiatives. The Children's Advocate report acknowledges Community Resources and Employment's Quality Improvement Plan, which was developed in early 2004, as "comprehensive and commendable".

Since 1992, Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment has had a child death review policy that includes requesting an independent review by the Children's Advocate for situations where a child was in care of the Minister at the time, or within six months, of his or her death.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0531