Child welfare deaths ‘profound tragedy’ but Ont. minister has no timeline to reduce fatalities.

DOES ANYONE ELSE FIND IT STRANGE THAT BETWEEN 2008 AND 2012 THE PDRC PORTRAYED UNDETERMINED (43% OF THE DEATHS) AS A CAUSE OF DEATH?

‘The system has fallen apart’: A child dies every 3 days under Ontario’s care network.

Every three days, a child who has been involved with Ontario’s care system dies, which isn't new.

That’s according to provincial data obtained by Global News using freedom of information laws that tracked the deaths of 354 children between 2020 and 2022 who were under the care of the government in some form.

The information captures children who died while living in care or with social work files that are either open or closed within 12 months of their death.

The stark figures are causing alarm among advocates who say the government is failing in its most basic duty.

“I’m mortified, I had no idea that this many kids were dying who have been in care, involved in care or somewhat around the system,” Ontario NDP MPP Monique Taylor told Global News after seeing the data.

https://globalnews.ca/news/10735101/ontario-child-care-system-deaths/

The minister responsible for the child welfare network in Ontario that sees a child die every three days on average says those deaths are a “profound tragedy” but stopped short of committing to when he will be able to reduce that number.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa said his government was strengthening the tools it had available to deal with child neglect and would continue to push new changes.

“The death of a child or a youth is a profound tragedy — and we will do everything we can to make sure that they have the supports,” Parsa said.

“We have to do everything we can collectively, certainly. Whether we’re legislating policies, or (working as) service providers, every one of us need to do everything we can to make sure children and youth succeed and thrive in their communities and no one is left behind.”

https://globalnews.ca/news/10735101/ontario-child-care-system-deaths/

OACAS Responds to News Reporting on Ontario’s Child Welfare System.

OACAS is deeply concerned about the recent media coverage regarding children and youth that have come in contact with Ontario’s child welfare system. The death of any child is tragic. We respectfully acknowledge the impact these deaths have had on their loved ones and communities, and our thoughts are with them. We remain committed to working with the Ontario government, provincial partners, as well as community-based organizations and service providers to identify and address root causes and improve systems supporting children, youth, and families to prevent future tragedies.

Global News recently obtained data using freedom of information laws. Regarding the Global News coverage, OACAS and our members recognize that it is critical to learn more about the data to gain a better understanding of the circumstances. We would welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with the Ontario government to analyze the data and identify solutions.

Children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies (child welfare agencies) are part of the network of care dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of children, youth, and families across the province. They work tirelessly in partnership with local organizations and service providers to ensure children get the right support, at the right time, close to home.

Community-based organizations and service providers delivering critical supports and programming that are inclusive and identity-affirming and centre the social determinants of health have become increasingly scant, siloed, and splintered across the province. Too many children, youth, and families are left without supports and services vital to their health and well-being. In some communities, there are no community-based organizations or service providers delivering the care that is needed. In others, there are long wait lists or exclusionary eligibility criteria that make timely access to supports and services impossible.

Systemic gaps and barriers to high-quality, trauma-informed, culturally relevant and responsive care in communities across Ontario are acutely felt by Indigenous, Black, and 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and families, including those presenting with complex needs (i.e., social, emotional, developmental, mental health and addictions, etc.) Systemic gaps and barriers to care are only exacerbated by location. Those living in Northern, rural and remote parts of the province face unique challenges in receiving care integral to their health and well-being.

Working towards integrated systems of care that truly wrap around children, youth, and families that promote their health and well-being when they need it most is a responsibility that cuts across all levels of government, ministries, and provincial partners, as well as community-based organizations and service providers. Together, we can transform our systems of care. Children, youth, and families cannot wait.

On September 12, 2024 / 2SLGBTQ+, Accountability, Advocacy, African Canadian Families, Child Welfare Agencies, Children, Community Partners, Featured, Government, Indigenous Services, Youth.

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https://www.oacas.org/2024/09/oacas-responds-to-news-reporting-on-ontarios-child-welfare-system/