GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES CHILD WELFARE REVIEW

Today, Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer announced that the Government of Saskatchewan will undertake a comprehensive review of child welfare in the province.

"There is no greater priority than our children, and this wide-ranging child welfare review is intended to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children in Saskatchewan," Harpauer said. "This landmark review will go well beyond an examination of the relevant provincial legislation. It will include all aspects of child welfare in Saskatchewan, including fostering, adoption, child protection and the prevention of child abuse and neglect."

Extensive consultations with First Nations and Métis organizations and with other child welfare stakeholders will be an integral part of the review process. The stakeholder consultations will be led by an independent panel chaired by former Minister of Social Services and current Saskatoon city councillor and human services consultant Bob Pringle.

"I am honoured to have the confidence of Minister Harpauer to chair this review and tackle the challenges of child welfare in Saskatchewan," Pringle said. "I look forward to engaging stakeholders as we begin this journey together to help make a significant and lasting difference for vulnerable children and families across our province."

"We applaud the launch of this comprehensive review of child welfare in Saskatchewan," FSIN Vice Chief Dutch Lerat said. "First Nations have always made children a priority, and their safety, protection, health and wellbeing are vitally important in creating better outcomes for First Nations families in Saskatchewan. We look forward to meeting with Minister Harpauer and her officials to continue discussions on this high-priority initiative."

Consultations will take place in spring 2010. The panel will provide non-binding recommendations in fall 2010 for the government's consideration.

"This review will provide the foundation for a new direction for child welfare in Saskatchewan," Harpauer said. "Our government looks forward to the review panel's final report as we continue our efforts to put children first."

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca