Need for child welfare reform in Ontario, Canada

The article highlights a variety of issues within the system, many similar to those identified in the United States. For example, there are indications of racism underlying the reality that black children are highly overrepresented in the population of children in care. Furthermore,  children who enter foster care often experience multiple placements and a lack of continuity of education, leading to poor academic performance. In addition, foster care children, and “Crown Wards”, are misunderstood, mistreated and misjudged simply for their involvement with CAS.

The authors speak to the vulnerability of these children and the failure of the system to ensure best practices and improved outcomes for them. They note that present practice requires a “plan of care” for all children and yet, there is little accountability concerning poor or failed plans. Thus, the message received is that poor outcomes for these children don’t matter to CAS, justifying public outrage at the perceived system failures.

The strength of this article is that it highlights major issues within the child protection system and the invaluable need for ongoing program improvement and better outcomes for children and families. It also sheds light on the difficult task CAS faces, particularly as it seeks to balance child safety with family preservation. Additionally, it speaks to past attempts by the system to change, particularly in the aftermath of high profile cases, which were reactive, and in ways destructive, rather that thoughtful and effective. It also notes that the government is not a good parent and that CAS cannot do right by these children if the community does not share the responsibilities to these children with them. Finally, it details program improvement plans and seeks to provide some hope for a brighter future for children involved in care.

The primary article limitation is its overall negative tone. To a child involved in CAS, reading this article could be damning, as it suggests that they are not cared for or valued. The same could be said for CAS workers and the jobs they put their heart and soul into every day. It asserts that workers are “flying blind” and “don’t know whether we’re doing more harm than good.” It seems to have limited information on the training provided to CAS workers and provides minimal information on the lives saved or otherwise positively impacted by CAS. It also states that research has not been conducted on differential response and therefore fails to acknowledge the positive stride CAS is already making in improving services to children and families by implementing differential response in their practice.

The most honest and genuine aspect of this article is the video which accompanies it. This video provides a raw and real perspective of issues related to permanency. The young adults featured spoke of their trials and tribulations before, during and after care. As unique individuals with unique stories, each had a unique experience and unique outcome. This is the reality of children involved in the system. Contrary to common belief, these children are not the same and neither is what they need from CAS or others.  Therefore, the myth that there are easy solutions to complex matters such as those within the child protection system, must be dispelled. Yet, this critical aspect is often overlooked when programs set improvement goals and legislation makes a concerted effort to mandate positive change. For every action, there is a reaction and with no two cases alike, creating a child protection system that “works for most or all kids” remains a daunting task. If anything, this article radiates the truth in that.

Reference

Contenta, S., Monsebraaten, L., & Rankin, J. (2014) Ontario’s Most Vulnerable Children Kept In the Shadows . Toronto Star. Retrieved from http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/12/12/ontarios_most_vulnerable_children_kept_in_the_shadows.html