OPERATIONS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED AT FOUR DIRECTIONS

Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger announced today that he is temporarily suspending operations at Four Directions Stabilization and Assessment group home until it can fully meet agreed upon standards for residential care.  Community Resources and Yorkton Tribal Council Child and Family Services will be working with First Nations Child and Family Services agencies to find alternative placements for the 21 youth who currently reside at Four Directions as soon as possible.

“I remain committed to Four Directions, in appreciation of the leadership that the local chiefs and the Board of Four Directions have taken in this matter,” Belanger said.  “As Minister, my clear responsibility is for all children in care in the province.  I know that management and staff at the group home have been committed to the safety of the children, as well.  However, it is the conclusion of my department staff that despite good efforts, there remains much work to be done to ensure Four Directions meets the core standards for care.  This temporary suspension will give Four Directions the time they need to address this.”

Four Directions is a 24-bed facility located on the Muskowekwan First Nation.  It has been in operation since 2000 and provides services to youth aged 12 to 15 who require stabilization and assessment services. 
 
Community Resources has been working with the board and management of Four Directions to address quality of care and other issues.  While some improvements have been made, it has been determined that more progress is still needed, particularly around compliance with the core standards of residential care as agreed to by Community Resources and Four Directions.  Full implementation of these standards is expected in the coming months, with plans for the reopening of Four Directions by July 1, 2007.

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For more information, contact:

Lindy McIntyre
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0916