Child Youth and Family Services

NDP Justice Critic Gerry Rogers (MHA, St. John’s Centre) is appalled by the latest damage caused by the Liberal government’s shortsighted approach to budgeting.

The NDP critic for Child, Youth & Family Services says government must own up to its mistakes in privatizing care for vulnerable youth. MHA Gerry Rogers (St. John’s Centre) says government has to look no further than the town of Botwood, where after six months of BlueSky operation, the town decided last fall not to renew its permit to operate.

NDP leader, Lorraine Michael (MHA, Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi) expressed shock at learning of the number of children that have died since 2009 under the care of government.

“I am devastated to learn that 26 children have died in five years. These deaths should have been reported to the Child Youth Advocate without delay,” says Michael.

The NDP critic for Child, Youth and Family Services says today’s statement from the province’s Child and Youth Advocate confirms some of her deepest fears. Gerry Rogers (MHA, St.

NDP Child, Youth and Family Services critic Gerry Rogers (MHA, St. John’s Centre) says the privatization of three group homes in the province is going so badly that government should call the Child and Youth Advocate to determine how the children are faring.

NDP Leader Lorraine Michael (MHA, Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi) asked the premier to answer questions on the crisis looming for some youth currently entrusted to the care of Child, Youth and Family Services. St.

For weeks, NDP Child, Youth and Family Services Critic Gerry Rogers (MHA, St. John’s Centre) has been drawing attention to the looming crisis in three group homes in the province.

NDP Child, Youth and Family Services critic Gerry Rogers (MHA, St. John’s Centre) is not at all happy that she was right about the new home for vulnerable youths in Stephenville. That home, along with others in the province, was awarded to a for-profit operator in tenders announced two months ago.

NDP Child, Youth and Family Services Critic Gerry Rogers (MHA, St. John’s Centre) says government’s decision to privatize some youth care services is badly planned, haphazardly implemented, and working against the best interests of the children affected. She says a similar problem exists with the scheduled closure of an elementary school in her district.

NDP Child, Youth and Family Services critic Gerry Rogers (MHA, St. John’s Centre) says the speed at which the department plans to change the way the most vulnerable children are sheltered is a reflection of the lack of planning the department has done – and will inevitably hurt the people they are supposed to be protecting.