four children standing on dirt during daytime - photo by ben wicksben wicks

Oct. 22 Biweekly Update: Social Services Key Insights

/in /by

SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

October 22, 2024

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

  • Children
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Reconciliation
  • Opportunities
  • Communities
  • Social Policy Forum 2025
  • Youth
  • Career Opportunities
  • Victim’s Rights
  • Good News

Children

New Report Reveals Record Increases in Violence, Poverty, Mental Health Issues and Sexploitation Among Canada’s Kids | Children First Canada

The 2024 Raising Canada report, released by Children First Canada, paints a dire picture of the state of childhood in the country, highlighting alarming increases in poverty, violence, mental health issues, and sexual exploitation among youth. The report reveals that nearly 30% of children live in food-insecure households, one in five faces mental health challenges, and online sexual exploitation reports have surged. Child advocates are urging policymakers to tackle these crises urgently, calling for a National Strategy for Children, increased investment in child welfare, and active youth engagement to protect Canada’s future generations.

Related:

Reconciliation Book Club

Bone Black

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff in member organizations, is a key resource for increasing knowledge of reconciliation issues. Book Club members meet regularly to discuss a new book, and Federation staff ensure that the discussions are enriched with supplementary materials, including discussion questions, additional readings, and author and publisher information.

We invite you to join us for the next meeting of the Reconciliation Book Club on October 23, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Bone Black” by Carol Rose GoldenEagle. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Reconciliation

First Nations Leaders Call for Overhaul of Negotiation Process for Child Welfare Reform Deal | CBC News

First Nations leaders, including National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, have rejected a $47.8 billion settlement agreement for child welfare reform, calling for an overhaul of the negotiation process. At the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) meeting in Calgary, chiefs passed a resolution to create a new Children’s Chiefs Commission to lead future negotiations, emphasizing the need for inclusiveness, transparency, and regional representation. Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, described the vote as a crucial reset, while leaders from various regions expressed both optimism and disappointment. The decision reflects concerns about how the current deal was handled, and leaders remain committed to pursuing a fairer agreement for First Nations children.

Related:

Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members stay up to date with what is happening across the community social services sector. Check our calendar for training opportunities, webinars, and events.

Communities

City to Pursue Funding for Temporary Community Centre | The Free Press

Fernie City Council has confirmed financial support for a temporary Community Centre by approving $524,000 in government funds for a fabric-covered steel structure following a presentation by the Elk Valley Fieldhouse Society. While Mayor Milligan was absent, the council, led by Deputy Mayor Ted Shoesmith, agreed to move forward with the project without delay, citing the FieldhoSociety’sty’s urgency. With an estimated cost of $2.25 to $2.45 million, the project is expected to receive significant funding from the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI). Further funding may come from grants, donations, and property taxes. Approval from the provincial government may be needed to use RMI funds, and the City is reviewing this requirement. Once funding is finalized, the City will establish a lease and agreements with the Fieldhouse Society.

Related:

Save the date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

Our 2025 Social Policy Forum will occur on February 12, 13 and 14. We are excited to host this event again at The Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria. The Social Policy Forum is an opportunity for members, sector partners, and government colleagues to connect and explore the pressing social policy issues our organizations – and, more importantly, our communities – face today. Participants will learn more, discuss the impacts and consequences of social policy, and explore approaches that will move us forward in finding solutions and better ways to support our most vulnerable citizens. Please watch for more information, including hotel booking details.

Youth

Vic High Students Join Schools Across BC In Casting Votes | Victoria Times Colonist

Victoria High School (Vic High) participated in the Student Vote program, joining over 1,000 schools across British Columbia in a mock election ahead of the provincial vote. More than 170,000 students from grades 4-12 cast ballots, resulting in a nearly even split between the NDP (36.7%) and the Conservatives (36.2%), with the Green Party receiving 19.2% of the vote. Students elected NDP leader David Eby, Conservative leader John Rustad, and Green leader Sonia Furstenau in their respective ridings. The program, which has been part of BC elections since 2005, aims to engage students in the democratic process and demystify voting, especially given declining voter turnout in recent decades. Students expressed excitement about being involved, with Vic High student Hussein Obid supporting the NDP for its stance on housing and healthcare. CIVIX, a non-partisan charity, runs the Student Vote initiative to promote civic education among youth.

Related:

Career Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members recruit and retain skilled staff. Click here to check the current opportunities.

Victim’s Rights

‘This Criminal Justice System Failed Our Women Once Again’ | Penticton Herald

A jury found Donald Wayne Ashley not guilty of three counts of sexual assault after a month-long trial, sparking outrage among the Penticton Indian Band and supporters of the complainants. Ashley, who had been invited in 2010 to perform First Nations healing sessions, was convicted of a lesser charge of common assault on one woman, but many felt justice was not served. Chief Greg Gabriel and others criticized the verdict, calling it a failure of the criminal justice system and an affront to Indigenous women who had trusted Ashley. The emotional trial, marked by tears and frustration, has underscored the broader issue of systemic failure to protect and support Indigenous women in sexual assault cases. Ashley’s sentencing for the assault conviction is pending.

Related:

Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

Subscribe HERE