BCGEU calls for changes to aboriginal child welfare system
Social workers’ caseloads, turnover high, union says
The union representing the province’s social workers is calling for an overhaul of the aboriginal child welfare system.
In a report, the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union argues that the “patchwork” system lacks resources and is overly complex.
The union said that its members report high turnover rates, long-standing vacancies, and high caseloads.
“These workload pressures affect services and supports for aboriginal children, youth and families, but also the mental and physical health of frontline workers themselves,” says the report, Closing the Circle.
The report also calls for urgent investment for mental health, special needs and parenting programs so people don’t have to wait years for service.
“Basically, our message is that the political leadership of British Columbia needs to take responsibility for properly prioritizing and resourcing our aboriginal child, youth and family welfare system,” union president Stephanie Smith said in an interview.
Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux said in a statement that her ministry recently appointed Grand Chief Ed John as a senior adviser on aboriginal child welfare issues.
“Working with aboriginal leaders, he will help more aboriginal children and youth secure a safe, caring, permanent family outside of government care,” she said.
Cadieux added that her ministry has developed a specialized policy and practice framework and is “focusing on aboriginal competency training for front-line staff.”
The union report was released the same day as B.C.’s independent children’s watchdog Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond released a report that children and youth in government care are not being properly protected because of ministry underfunding.
Her report, The Thin Front Line, concluded the ministry needs to increase its budget by $20 million in order to hire 250 more people, including 200 front-line social workers, just to make its social service duties functional.
Aboriginal leaders also demanded Thursday an independent investigation into the death of an aboriginal teenager in government care.
The First Nations Leadership Council sent a letter to Premier Christy Clark urging an immediate independent inquiry into the death of 18year-old Alex Gervais.
Gervais fell to his death from a fourth-floor window of an Abbotsford hotel on Sept. 18. Turpel-Lafond has said it’s believed he killed himself.
A case review of Gervais’s care has been launched, but the ministry has resisted calls for a public inquiry.
Council members say Turpel-Lafond must take over the probe to ensure the inquiry is independent.
The First Nations Leadership Council speaks on behalf of three influential First Nations organizations, including the First Nations Summit and John, senior adviser on aboriginal child welfare.