Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Social Care Facilities Review Committee raised a number of concerns in their recently tabled annual report that I have previously referenced in this House. 

This government should take their concerns seriously and make the necessary changes to improve the children’s services system.

To the minister: when will the minister introduce province-wide standards for qualifications and minimum requirements for wage levels to ease some of the challenges service providers face in recruiting and retaining staff?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Mrs. Fritz: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will take this question under advisement and look into that and see where it is at currently. I can tell you that the recommendations that were made by the Social Care Facilities Review Committee have all been followed through with, but I’ll look at your question in more detail and get back to you, hon. member.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Chase: Thank you. Again to the minister: what specific steps is the minister taking to ensure that children always receive adequate support when moved to a new facility, something that is currently lacking?

Mrs. Fritz: Well, Mr. Speaker, I can tell you very clearly that that is in place and that it’s followed through. There are a number of ways. It’s either through our staff, through the good work that’s being done through our child and family services authorities, or, of course, on reserve through our delegated First Nation agencies, people that work with the family, work with that child wherever they take that child in whichever way and with what you’re involving here, hon. member. Anyhow, that is taken into consideration very clearly by staff.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Chase: Thank you. Again to the Minister of Children and Youth Services: how is the minister working with other ministries to ensure that women and families making the transition from emergency shelters to affordable housing are fully supported?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Mrs. Fritz: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did just recently meet with the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, and I can let you know once again – we’ve discussed this in the Assembly before – that through the housing first program women and children that are leaving emergency shelters either go to second-stage housing through this ministry, or they go on to housing programs, which are through the minister of housing.

Alberta Hansard, April 19, 2010

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