Following an inquest into the death of a six-year-old boy in care, the Saskatchewan government has released a plan designed to improve the child welfare system and supports for vulnerable families and children.
Two weeks of testimony took place to examine the circumstances around the 2013 murder of Lee Allan Bonneau at the hands of another boy, aged 10. Lee died on the Kahkewistahaw First Nation.
The inquest jury made 19 recommendations to the Ministry of Social Services, the Yorkton Tribal Council Child and Family Services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
“I would like to thank the jury for their work on this Inquest process,” said Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer. “The jury’s findings and recommendations will help further the significant progress we have made in the past few years in improving the safety and well-being of the vulnerable children and youth in our care.”
The province’s new plan follows not only the inquest, but also a 2014 report on the same case by the Advocate for Children and Youth. That reported contained 23 findings and 18 recommendations.
In its final progress report to the Advocate, released this week, the Saskatchewan government reports 13 of 18 recommendations as having been completed. Work is ongoing to complete the final five that are in progress.
“We look forward to continuing our work with our partner First Nations agencies as well as police services, and health and education service providers to strengthen our policies, processes and services,” Harpauer said.
Among the recommendations:
• Concerns with regards to the child’s behaviour and/or specific needs be brought to the immediate attention of the prospective Foster Parent before placement.
• Parental Services Agreements should have follow up, upon completion.
• Stronger recruitment and retention incentives for foster parents in rural areas.
• Concerns with regards to the child’s behaviour and/or specific needs be brought to the immediate attention of the prospective foster parent before placement.
• Communication and file sharing between all pertinent parties with regards to child welfare be shared in a timely manner.
• FASD, ADHD and other mental health issues should be addressed as soon as an issue is identified. Depending on results, a full-time therapist may be warranted.
• Funding efforts be made for a facility for children with complex needs under the age of twelve.
• Protocols for alcohol and drug assessment for parents/guardians be enforced.Following an inquest into the death of a six-year-old boy in care, the Saskatchewan government has released a plan designed to improve the child welfare system and supports for vulnerable families and children.
Two weeks of testimony took place to examine the circumstances around the 2013 murder of Lee Allan Bonneau at the hands of another boy, aged 10. Lee died on the Kahkewistahaw First Nation.
The inquest jury made 19 recommendations to the Ministry of Social Services, the Yorkton Tribal Council Child and Family Services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
“I would like to thank the jury for their work on this Inquest process,” said Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer. “The jury’s findings and recommendations will help further the significant progress we have made in the past few years in improving the safety and well-being of the vulnerable children and youth in our care.”
The province’s new plan follows not only the inquest, but also a 2014 report on the same case by the Advocate for Children and Youth. That reported contained 23 findings and 18 recommendations.
In its final progress report to the Advocate, released this week, the Saskatchewan government reports 13 of 18 recommendations as having been completed. Work is ongoing to complete the final five that are in progress.
“We look forward to continuing our work with our partner First Nations agencies as well as police services, and health and education service providers to strengthen our policies, processes and services,” Harpauer said.
Among the recommendations:
• Concerns with regards to the child’s behaviour and/or specific needs be brought to the immediate attention of the prospective Foster Parent before placement.
• Parental Services Agreements should have follow up, upon completion.
• Stronger recruitment and retention incentives for foster parents in rural areas.
• Concerns with regards to the child’s behaviour and/or specific needs be brought to the immediate attention of the prospective foster parent before placement.
• Communication and file sharing between all pertinent parties with regards to child welfare be shared in a timely manner.
• FASD, ADHD and other mental health issues should be addressed as soon as an issue is identified. Depending on results, a full-time therapist may be warranted.
• Funding efforts be made for a facility for children with complex needs under the age of twelve.
• Protocols for alcohol and drug assessment for parents/guardians be enforced.
