EDMONTON – The provincial government is inviting Albertans to take part in a discussion on how best to improve the province’s child intervention system.
A two-day roundtable between experts, policy makers and stakeholders will begin on Tuesday morning. Those involved will discuss the child death review system in Alberta.
The meeting will be streamed online. All Albertans can watch the webcast, and are encouraged to participate in the discussion through an online chat.
“I want all Albertans to join the conversation through our webcast,” Minister of Human Services, Manmeet Bhullar said in a media release. “We know that it takes a village to raise a child and that we’re all in this together. I have spoken with many stakeholders and families, and I am now looking forward to hearing from the experts about how we can move forward quickly with system improvements.”
The webcast comes about two months after a joint investigative series on foster care deaths in Alberta by the Edmonton Journal and the Calgary Herald was published.
Since then, the government has said it is committed to changing laws so more information can be released on the deaths of children in foster care.
READ MORE: Alberta to review how it investigates, reports foster child deaths
“Our plan is focused on accelerating action to improve the lives of Alberta’s children. Knowing about and understanding why a child died is of critical importance to Albertans and the outcome of this event will help to bring clarity to the process and help us drive change,” Bhullar said.
According to the province, topics up for discussion include:
- What supports a full and meaningful investigation into the death or serious injury of a child in Alberta?
- What additional steps should be taken to improve investigations when it involves a child receiving child intervention services?
- What information should be available about child deaths or serious injuries?
- What changes should Alberta consider with respect to the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act’s publication ban for children who have received or are receiving child intervention services?
The webcast begins at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday. Those wishing to take part in the online discussion are asked to register in advance on the government’s website.
A draft summary report from the roundtable will be available for public comment in February. The final report will be tabled in the Alberta Legislature in the spring.
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