Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The nature of care that not only protects but nurtures children with disabilities in Alberta is of the utmost importance in ensuring that they experience the best quality of life possible. 

It is therefore essential that there be appropriate placements and ongoing evaluation of the care that is provided for vulnerable disabled children. To the minister: given the highly specific individual needs of disabled children, can the minister briefly introduce and follow up in writing what quality and quantity of training specific to physical or mental disabilities is required for Children and Youth Services staff above and beyond the limited staff members in the family support for children with disabilities program?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Mrs. Fritz: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can tell you that the family support for children with disabilities program is highly valued by our families. We did have a survey, and 86 per cent of families said that they value this program and recognize the good support and services that we do offer because it’s customized to the needs of the child. I know this member does care about this area. I’ve seen you at many organizations out in the community, hon. member. What you’ve requested in writing – I think it would be the multidisciplinary teams that you’re looking at for the specialized services – I can provide.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Chase: Thank you. I appreciate the follow-up, Madam Minister.

Is the minister absolutely certain that all Children and Youth Services staff are adequately trained and have the necessary understanding and experience to provide the proper placements and supports to Alberta’s vulnerable disabled children?

Mrs. Fritz: Well, Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely certain. I go back to what I said earlier about the families, to what we hear back from the families. I’ve been told that this is a leading program across Canada, and that’s because of the good specialized support services that we offer to families. This is a $120 million area of the budget. We’ve added another $5 million in this coming budget to the programs, and it’s with that support. As I said, hon. member, I will provide the information you are seeking.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Chase: Thank you. What type of follow-up does the ministry conduct to ensure the well-being of disabled children after they have been placed in either foster care or kinship care? How frequently does the support evaluation occur to ensure that the placement and care continue to be appropriate?

Mrs. Fritz: Mr. Speaker, with the foster care program there was a review that was done two years ago. That review did show that there needed to be more extensive assessment with families, and that would include families with children with disabilities. That assessment is, of course, face-to-face interviews. Those have increased on a monthly basis as well as on a quarterly basis. I can get back to you as well about the orientation, the home training, and the follow-up.

Alberta Hansard, February 24, 2010

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