Residential Review Project

Improving Residential Care Practices in British Columbia

The Federation, in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), conducted a comprehensive review of the residential care practices for children and youth in BC. The scope of this review included residential care services and supports provided in child welfare/protection, youth justice, child and youth with special needs, and child and youth mental health service streams. Since 2012, MCFD has been looking at implementing the recommendations.

The Residential Review Project

The first phase of the project (from Spring 2010 to Spring 2011) focused on comprehensive information gathering and analysis. The Phase One Findings Report can be read here. Four key themes emerged from phase one: achieving permanency, delivering an array of accessible residential care services, strengthening foster caregiving, and working together effectively.

The second phase of the project (March and April 2011) involved conducting working sessions that engaged foster caregivers, services providers, MCFD staff, youth, and community partners in order to review the findings and generate ideas and recommendations for action. Phase two also included an online survey and interviews with experts, advocates, social workers, families, and children.

The Final Report with was completed June 2012. It recommends a course of action for both MCFD and service providers that will build on strengths, address gaps and weaknesses, and achieve a planned system of residential care that better meets the care and treatment needs of children and youth, thereby supporting more positive life outcomes. MCFD is developing plans to implement the recommendations and supporting actions.

Residential Review Reports

Residential Review: Final Report
Residential Review: Final Report Executive Summary
Residential Review: Phase One Findings Report
Residential Review: Phase One Summary

Read the report