A happy family portrait featuring a young man with Down syndrome standing between an older man and woman. The woman, wearing glasses and a navy top, hugs the young man with a big smile. The young man is smiling warmly, and the older man looks at them affectionately, all against a soft green, natural background. photo by Nathan AndersonNathan Anderson

Feb. 04 Biweekly Update: Social Services Key Insights

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

February 04, 2025

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Table of contents

  • Disability
  • Opportunities brought to you by the Federation
  • Children
  • Families
  • Reconciliation
  • Women
  • Youth
  • Good news

Disability

Supports individualized: CLBC says after Vernon mom calls for change | Castanet

Following concerns raised by Shauna Elliot about her son Jace’s inability to receive proper support due to provincial policies, Community Living BC (CLBC) responded by emphasizing its individualized approach to funding and support. CLBC stated that eligibility assessments involve creating personalized plans based on disability-related needs contracting services rather than providing them directly. However, Elliot expressed frustration over a lack of nuance in policies, underfunded programs, and a system that shifts responsibility. While CLBC acknowledged that safety measures, including restraints, are sometimes permitted under guiding principles of individual rights and least intrusive interventions, it remains unclear why a disconnect exists between policy and lived experiences. This response comes amid growing concerns about inadequate support for children with disabilities in B.C., with a recent representative for children and youth highlighting delays in addressing their needs and the B.C. Ombudsperson launched an investigation into their exclusion from the school system.

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Opportunities brought to you by the Federation

The Federation is dedicated to supporting our members and strengthening the broader community social services sector. We offer a range of ways to stay informed, build connections, and grow your skills.

Stay informed about the latest in the sector by exploring our calendar of training sessions, webinars, and events designed to help you succeed.
Get connected and expand your professional network through opportunities created specifically for community social services professionals.
Looking for a new career? Explore current job postings and find your next opportunity in the community social services sector.

Visit our website today to discover all the ways we can support you!

Children

With families ‘beyond their breaking point,’ watchdog calls on ‘BC’ to support young people with disabilities | Indigenous Watchdog

The latest report from BC’s Representative for Children and Youth (RCY), “Too Many Left Behind,” highlights the overwhelming struggles faced by 83,000 young people with disabilities and their families, who are left without adequate support. The report follows the tragic, preventable death of an 11-year-old First Nations boy, “Colby,” who suffered severe neglect in foster care due to systemic failures. Families report being “beyond their breaking point,” struggling to access respite care, medical services, and educational support, with some even considering giving up their children to receive necessary care. The RCY emphasizes the need for an integrated, adequately funded service model that incorporates Indigenous leadership and cross-ministerial collaboration. While BC has committed to improving disability services, past reforms—such as the paused “Children and Youth with Support Needs” framework—were criticized for lack of consultation. The RCY calls for immediate action to prevent further harm and ensure children receive support early rather than relying on costly interventions later.

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Families

United Way BC sending 40 families and seniors to West Kelowna Warriors match | Castanet

United Way BC and the West Kelowna Warriors are partnering to provide over 40 families and seniors facing financial challenges with a night of entertainment, covering tickets and food vouchers through the Local Love Fund. Attendees will watch the Warriors play the Vernon Vipers on Feb. 8 at Royal LePage Place, offering them a rare opportunity for leisure amid financial struggles. The initiative also supports seniors who often face isolation in winter, aligning with United Way BC’s focus on healthy aging. Additionally, the organization will receive half of the funds from the game’s 50/50 draw.

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Reconciliation

Haida woman helps break world storytelling record | CBC News

Haida storyteller Kung Jadee helped set a new world record at the Marrakech International Storytelling Festival in Morocco, where more than 100 storytellers participated in an 80-hour, 32-minute, and 58-second continuous storytelling event. The record, certified by Guinness World Records, required each performance to have at least ten audience members, though the event attracted far more listeners. Jadee, who belongs to the Haida, Musqueam, and Squamish First Nations, shared stories and songs from her region, helping to highlight the diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada. She described the experience as “absolutely magical,” deeply moved by the oral traditions of storytellers from over 30 countries.

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Women

How a BC program is empowering the next generation of Black women | CBC News

Empowered Black Girl, a mentorship program for Black girls in Grades 8 to 12 in Metro Vancouver, is fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging among its participants. Founded in 2021 and housed under Black Women Connect Vancouver, the program addresses the unique challenges Black girls face, including racial and gender discrimination, by providing mentorship, workshops, and career development opportunities. Program manager Adaeze Oputa-Anu, who identified a gap in resources for Black girls in BC, emphasizes the need for continued support and funding to sustain these efforts. Former participant Tulivu Wamai, who found solace and empowerment through the program, is now giving back by volunteering and pursuing a career in social work, exemplifying the program’s long-term impact. In 2025, Empowered Black Girl will expand to operate year-round, aiming to support even more young Black women in achieving their goals.

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Youth

Has democracy gone out of style for Gen Z? | City News

Youth voter turnout in Canada has declined in recent elections, raising concerns about Gen Z’s engagement with democracy. Since 2015, participation has steadily dropped, with a seven percent decrease between the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Factors such as voter fatigue, non-competitive races, and distrust in democratic processes may be contributing to this trend. Some experts suggest that Gen Z’s approach to civic engagement is evolving rather than disappearing, as they prioritize activism and digital advocacy over traditional voting. In a discussion with “Apathy is Boring,” executive director Samantha Reush host Maria Kestane explores why young voters feel disconnected from the ballot box and how their perspectives could shape the future of Canadian politics.

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Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating, or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them 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.

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