In one of his now-notorious annual reports, the provincial children's advocate described the vicious circle that the child-welfare system seems doomed to keep repeating.
"In 2007-08, the advocate's office dealt with 3,585 children, down from 3,709 in 2005-06."
Towards these statistics, is the public aware that once a child dies under Ministry care, there is no obligation upon the Alberta Ministry for the Office of the Child Advocate to follow through on the case? Although there may be ongoing investigation, if the child dies, so does his/her right for continued response.
This is not the case in other Provinces! Should a child die, obligation remains upon the Provincial Government to seek impartial representation for that child. Why is Alberta failing its youth? As in the case of "SM" who is subject of an impending Public Fatality Inquiry.
It is absolutely IMPERATIVE that the Office of the Child Advocate answer to a Legislative body and the Public rather than to the Minister alone!
"In 2007-08, the advocate's office dealt with 3,585 children, down from 3,709 in 2005-06."
ReplyDeleteTowards these statistics, is the public aware that once a child dies under Ministry care, there is no obligation upon the Alberta Ministry for the Office of the Child Advocate to follow through on the case? Although there may be ongoing investigation, if the child dies, so does his/her right for continued response.
This is not the case in other Provinces! Should a child die, obligation remains upon the Provincial Government to seek impartial representation for that child. Why is Alberta failing its youth? As in the case of "SM" who is subject of an impending Public Fatality Inquiry.
It is absolutely IMPERATIVE that the Office of the Child Advocate answer to a Legislative body and the Public rather than to the Minister alone!