One year ago today, the Stelmach administration established a panel to help build a stronger child intervention system. 

At the time I welcomed the news, since at-risk children in Alberta are in desperate need of more protection and support, as evidenced by regular news stories of children in care suffering terrible abuse and even losing their lives. Though the Government of Alberta has failed in its duty to protect at-risk children, the panel was, at least, a step forward, and I looked forward to the release of their report, due in spring 2010.

But one year later, the panel has yet to provide the report – a report that’s even more urgently needed in the wake of the Stelmach administration’s cruel $26.5 million cut from the child intervention portion of the Children and Youth Services budget. When I raised the issue during budget debates in the Legislature, the Minister made no mention of the panel’s report and refused to answer several questions on the issue.

Vulnerable children remain at risk – and in fact the Stelmach administration’s lack of attention is increasing the risk even more. For the sake of the countless children in the province’s care, I urge the Premier and the Minister of Children and Youth Services to expedite the release of the child intervention review panel report and to follow up immediately with action to provide a safer, more nurturing environment for at-risk children and youth.

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