Advocate says progress being made since B.C. child torture death, more work required
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, JUL 15 – Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth highlights ongoing child welfare gaps and fiscal limits affecting timely help despite government efforts on a child well-being strategy, a year after an Indigenous boy's death.
- On July 16, 2024, in Vancouver, Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, the province's official advocate for children and youth, published a report that identifies shortcomings within the child welfare system.
- The report was released following the tragic killing of a young Indigenous child, who suffered abuse while in the care of approved relatives, leading to demands for major reforms in the foster care system.
- Charlesworth noted some improvements including a nearly 20% workforce increase and new training for over 800 child welfare workers, but said staffing still falls short and some First Nations resist oversight.
- She warned fiscal constraints amid a $10.9 billion provincial deficit risk cutting key social programs needed to support vulnerable families and called for a new child welfare strategy with accountability and prevention.
- The government is developing a child well-being framework and action plan involving multiple ministries with no clear completion timeline, while more work is needed to ensure safety and support for children.
28 Articles
28 Articles
'Scary' child safety system in spotlight ahead of Queensland inquiry
A woman who spent time in residential care as a child and a long-time foster carer say support workers with lived experience and more help for foster carers are needed, ahead of an inquiry into Queensland's child safety system.
B.C. child watchdog urges more progress 1 year after report into 11-year-old boy's torture and death
One year after a landmark report into the horrific death of an 11-year-old Indigenous boy in foster care called for a "complete overhaul" of B.C.'s child welfare system, the province's child watchdog says the NDP government has a long way to go in improving conditions for the most vulnerable.

Advocate says progress being made since B.C. child torture death, more work required
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 82% of the sources lean Left
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium