FREDERICTON (GNB) - The provincial government has responded favourably to recommendations made by the New Brunswick Youth in Care Network.

Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé made the announcement today during the presentation of the government's response to the recommendations presented in the report A Long Road Home: An account of the first ever New Brunswick Youth in Care Hearings.
 
"The report provides our government with a better understanding of the need for more support and services for youth in and from care as it was developed from the perspective of youth who have experienced the province's care system," said Dubé.  "It is my hope that our response will further improve the child welfare system and better support all children and youth in New Brunswick."
 
In response to the recommendations, government announced the following initiatives:

●    declare November 29 as Children and Youth in Care Day in New Brunswick to celebrate and recognize children and youth in care;
●    expand the family group conference service to the Child in Care program; and
●    contribute to a scholarship for youth in care who wish to pursue post-secondary education.

The network is also being consulted during the revision of the program standards for the Child in Care program.

The provincial government previously announced a five-year contract extension with the youth in care network to ensure it can continue its work with the Department of Social Development to address issues facing youth in and from care in New Brunswick.

The response is available online.


08-05-14