Systemic Review of the Child Welfare Engagement Session
Yesterday I attended the systemic review of the child welfare engagement session lead by the Representative of Child and Youth (RCY). For those who don’t know, the office of RCY is responsible for advocacy on behalf of children and youth. They monitor, review and publicly report on designated services for children and youth as well as conduct investigations into the critical injuries or deaths of children receiving designated services that are provided or funded through the government.
As much of my background is working in government funded programs such as specialized care, I have a large investment in keeping up to date with how funding is allocated and how the RCY advocates for change in these programs.
One of the biggest things I learned being able to sit at this virtual table was how more of these open conversations need to happen. The platform allowed for a virtual safe space to speak honestly and openly about the challenges, “bright spots” and missing questions when it comes to services we are providing children, youth and families. As disheartening as it was to review the systemic pitfalls over and over, it was uplifting to see the continued dedication and hard work professionals and caretakers showed up with in advocacy for young people’s voices.
It also allowed for a much needed pause in my own work. A moment of self reflection of how I contribute as a cog in the ever turning wheel. How does poverty impact the way families access services? How do men begin to show up at these tables when all paperwork is typically geared at a mother figure? What rights do children really have? Are parents fulfilling their responsibilities? How does the constant shift in funding sources impact services communities can offer? How do we get this information to the needed political parties all prior to an upcoming election? When it comes to employment do we need more than just a ‘warm body’?
A question that came to mind in the middle of these conversations for myself was, how much of the general public is accessing these reports or have any understanding of how these programs have effect on our communities. Are the reports even written in a way that is digestible to the average family who is already busy with a hundred other things? What impact are these reports having?
When it comes to the death of children and youth in our communities, I do think it is something we should have on our radar.
I look forward to reading further reports submitted by the RCY, especially as it relates to the information gathered from these information sessions. I am grateful for the opportunity to utilize my voice as well as hear the varying perspectives from others in the field.
For more information about the RCY as well as links to published reports feel free to visit; https://rcybc.ca
Kimberly Embleton
