three kids running on a field - photo by jordan whittjordan whitt

Community Social Services: Weekly Bulletin July 25, 2024

/in /by

SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

July 11, 2024

Subscribe HERE

No Time to Wait: A review of MCFD’s child welfare workforce – Part One

Federation response to part 1 (of two) of the RCY new report

Dear subscribers,

On July 23, the Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) tabled a special report on workforce capacity in the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). “No Time to Wait: A review of MCFD’s child welfare workforce – Part 1” is a companion to last week’s report, “Don’t Look Away,” which proposes significant MCFD reforms and was met with a government commitment to rethinking service delivery and systems of care; visit our website to see the Federation’s response.

“No Time to Wait” provides a detailed summary of key findings from the systemic review, with a focus on MCFD’s child welfare services directly delivered by social workers. Concerns raised include:

  • Recruitment and retention of staff, with particular attention to rural communities
  • Diversity and inclusion, with particular attention to Indigenous representation
  • Qualifications, onboarding, training and professional development
  • Standards, policies, procedures, practice guidelines and quality assurance to support good practice
  • Caseloads and workload
  • Managing leave and backfill needs
  • Availability of effective tools and resources to support good practice, including administrative/technological support and supporting family and community resources
  • Supervision, mentoring and practice support, with particular attention to support and guidance when working with Indigenous families and communities
  • Worker and workplace health and psychological safety
  • Staff/ministry organizational design, culture, and management.

The RCY will conduct ongoing engagements throughout August and September to discuss the report’s findings and recommendations further. The Federation will share information about these sessions as they are scheduled. Federation staff also plan to attend and will report back to members.

This report will be followed by a second, more fulsome review and analysis. Part 2 is scheduled to be released in late fall 2024. Please watch for more information about Part 2 later this year.

As the report notes, the findings illustrate a human resources shortfall within MCFD that is having real compounding impacts felt by children, youth, families, and staff serving them in the community. This echoes feedback heard from Federation members at recent events and meetings around the province, many of whom care deeply for their colleagues in government and worry about this systemic risk to the people they serve.

We have let Dr. Charlesworth know that she and her team have the full support of the Federation in this ongoing work and that we will do everything we can to amplify her calls to action and work with the sector to foster solutions. While the report focuses on MCFD, the issues raised are not isolated to that department, and the lack of connectivity between children’s services with other social services is another area our members have outlined as a sector challenge. Further, many of our members are facing issues with recruitment, retention, training, and workplace health and safety, and undoubtedly, the First Nations and Indigenous authorities who are assuming jurisdiction over child welfare and protection will face many of these challenges as well in the years ahead. It will take a collaborative effort from society to bring the community-based system of care for children and youth that Dr. Charlesworth is demanding, and the Federation will be there to help steward the change.

For more information or any questions/feedback, please contact Diamond Isinger, Director of Policy, at diamond@fcssbc.ca.

Resources:

Caregivers

Provincial Support Agency Caregiver Learning Network

We are excited to share that the Provincial Support Agency Caregiver Learning Network (PSACLN) has launched! The PSACLN aims to support caregivers across BC by developing accessible virtual learning opportunities for Foster Caregivers, Kinship Care Providers, and Contracted Agency Caregivers. PSACLN enhances caregiver knowledge, skills, and abilities and helps foster a healthy caregiving network. It is comprised of representatives from all caregiver support agencies across the province.

Please visit the website to learn more.

Highlights include:

  • An online catalogue of available virtual learning opportunities (existing and new)
  • Links to all support agencies in the province of BC
  • Resources shared by Coordinators/Network Facilitators throughout the province
  • A link to the Caregiver Learning Management System (CLMS)- an online system available to all caregivers in British Columbia. Caregivers can view their past workshop documents (including certificates) and register for new and upcoming workshops.

Please share this information across your network. PSACLN wants to reach as many caregivers as possible throughout British Columbia! Spread this far and wide. Their target by the end of the year is to register 1000 participants. There are currently approximately 350. Your support and collaboration are invaluable in achieving this goal. If you have questions or need additional information, please get in touch with support@psacln.ca.

CMHA

People Working Well

Workplaces that put people first

Workplace mental health has never been more important, and CMHA is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re struggling with stress or concerned about a coworker, remember, you’re not alone. Consider CMHA your trusted guide, offering help, training, and a supportive community.

CMHA is BC’s Hub for Workplace Mental Health!

Resources:

Reconciliation

IIO must pay $51,800 after withdrawing offer of job | Victoria Times Colonist

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of British Columbia has been ordered to pay $51,800 for discriminating against an Indigenous woman, D.S., after withdrawing a job offer for an investigator position. The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal found that D.S.’s race and sex were factors in the decision. D.S. encountered issues during her polygraph tests and faced inappropriate comments from the examiner. The tribunal concluded that D.S. was seen through a stereotypical lens as a demanding and suspicious Indigenous woman, which influenced the IIO’s decision. As a result, the tribunal awarded D.S. $36,800 in lost wages and $15,000 for injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect.

Related:

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