PROVINCE IMPROVING FOSTER CARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

The Government of Saskatchewan is improving accountability and introducing new checks and balances to two of its programs following a review that was prompted by the Provincial Auditor.

"We are accountable, responsible and we are taking action to ensure the safety and well-being of children in care. In addition, we want to ensure that department resources go to those who qualify for social assistance," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said.

A department review of about 775 foster care files found that police record checks were completed for all adults in 86 per cent of the homes. The main reason why checks were missing is that a child of the caregiver or foster child turned 18, or another relative joined the family. Where police checks were missing, immediate direction was given to have them completed.

Also in response to the Auditor's findings, the department reviewed the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan files that the Auditor had studied. While the department clearly noted administrative errors and made the appropriate corrections, the actual rate of payment error was less than one per cent.

Crofford says the department is implementing a quality improvement plan and will take the following actions this year, including these checks and balances:

· A review process for foster care files every four months to ensure key standards, such as police record checks and home assessments, are met;
· A new automated monitoring system for improved tracking and reporting on foster care files;
· Supervisors will review all new social assistance files and all scheduled file reviews to ensure information is recorded and documented properly;
· Additional automated checks for all social assistance files, including prompts to workers to ensure required information has been provided, verified and recorded;
· Additional training for staff; and
· Progress reports to the Deputy Minister and the Minister.

"I have confidence in the foster families and department staff that the issues raised by the Auditor are being addressed and the safety of children continues to be our priority," Crofford said. "I also want to ensure the public that we have rigorous social assistance checks, and we will now build on these for further improvements."

The department will provide progress reports to the Auditor throughout the year, and looks forward to hearing back from him on progress that he observes.

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For More Information, Contact:

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