Child welfare and children in care platforms
Here's what the 2024 BC election parties are promising.BC Conservatives
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Transfer authority for child welfare and family services to First Nations
"We are committed to transferring authority for child welfare and family services to First Nations, enabling communities to raise their children according to their cultural values and traditions. The Matriarchs and rights holders that are identified by First Nations leadership will lead the change." — conservativebc.ca, retrieved 2024-10-08
BC Greens
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Require anyone using the title "Social Worker" to be registered with the BC College of Social Workers
"Implement legislative changes requiring anyone using the title “Social Worker” to be registered with the BC College of Social Workers." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Require a Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work & College of Social Workers registration for Ministry employees doing child protection work
"Mandate a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work and BC College of Social Workers registration for any MCFD employee conducting child protection work. A timeline will be provided to accommodate workforce adjustments." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Require anti-racism and anti-stigma training for all staff at the Ministry of Children and Family Development
"Require anti-racism and anti-stigma education for all Ministry staff, informed by the Provincial Committee on Anti-Racism and individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Establish a comprehensive oversight system for staff and senior leadership at the Ministry of Children and Family Development
"Establish a comprehensive oversight system for MCFD staff and senior leadership, addressing systemic failures rather than focusing on individual social workers." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Reform legislation to ensure families get necessary resources and services
"Enact legislative reforms ensuring families are provided with the necessary resources and services, as guided by the RCY." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Create a framework for child welfare with tiered prevention levels
"Implement a public health framework with tiered prevention levels:
- Primary Prevention: Family strengthening programs, resource access, and public awareness campaigns.
- Secondary Prevention: Homevisits, respite care, and family resource centers.
- Tertiary Prevention: Wrap-around supports for children and parents affected by violence."
— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Create a non-punitive environment where families can discuss struggles without fear of consequences
"Create a non-punitive environment where families can discuss struggles without fear of consequences." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Redirect Ministry funds to provide families with financial resources, helping parents better care for their children
"Redirect Ministry funds to provide families with financial resources, addressing poverty-related neglect and empowering parents to better care for their children." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Recognise full Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare, with appropriate funding
"Recognize full Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare, with appropriate funding to support culturally relevant services." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Promote community-oriented, family centred care with extended family playing a vital role
"Promote community-oriented, family-centered care where extended family plays a vital role, ensuring conditions for children to thrive." — BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Focus child welfare on trauma awareness, safety, collaboration, and strength-based approaches
"• Shift the focus to trauma awareness, safety, collaboration, and strength-based approaches.
• Acknowledge the past and ongoing impacts of colonialism, incorporating cultural safety into all child welfare practices."
— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09
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Provide families in kinship care with the same financial and social resources that foster families receive
- "Provide families in kinship care with the same financial and social resources that foster families receive.
- Address the insufficient financial support currently provided, recognizing the importance of familial and kinship care in child welfare."
— BC Greens 2024 Platform, retrieved 2024-10-09