Protecting Canadian Children Tour, August 2011

Protecting Canadian Children
August 25, 2011

An area most Politicians care not to contribute to due to depth of emotion it ensues and controversy involved is that of children who fall under the realm of service recipients from Child & Youth Services. It is a topic so taboo that even those who profess to be Advocates sometimes remain silent; out of fear that Government funding to its organizations may be compromised. No matter how controversial the topic, it is one that must be examined for the well-being of vulnerable individuals and one that Politicians, the Media and the Public at large have a moral obligation to attend to.

Society finds itself in the "Sandwich Generation", with families caring for children as well as elderly members. Often, related health issues impose restrictions on families who bear extraordinary needs through the birth of a child with diversity, accident, disease or the natural aging process. None of us are infallible so each of us must be willing to address factors in the here and now on behalf of those without a voice lest we all become unable to advocate for ourselves in the future.

A harsh reality is the fact that we, Canadians, are gaining a notorious negative reputation for failing our most vulnerable. In Ontario, 83% of children who are recipients of Child Intervention Services, are those with special needs. In Alberta, the figure is 70% with similar statistics following across the Country. Instead of allocating resources to families directly, Governments are requesting the relinquishment of guardianship and out of home placements of children with extraordinary needs.  FULL STORY