FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government will extend its contract with the New Brunswick Youth in Care Network for five years so it may continue its work with youth in and from care across the province.  

Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé made the announcement today during the presentation of the Youth in Care Network's report, A Long Road Home: An account of the first ever New Brunswick Youth in Care Hearings, to the department.
 
“With this five-year contract extension, I am pleased the network will continue its important work,” said Dubé. “The Department of Social Development will continue to partner with the Youth in Care Network to further empower youth in and from care.”
 
Last November, the network held hearings with young people who have experience with the province's care system. The information collected from the hearings was the basis of the network's recommendations outlined in the report released today.
 
“Progress has been made to strengthen our child welfare services; however, there is always room for improvement,” said Dubé. “The department will carefully review each of the report's recommendations to determine how we can further improve the child welfare system and better support all children and youth in New Brunswick.”

The Youth in Care Network provides a voice for the opinions and concerns of youth in and from care and promotes the improvement of services for them.
 
The department will also consult the Youth in Care Network during the development of new program standards for the Child in Care Program.

“I thank the network and the young people who came forward to share their personal stories about their experiences in care,” said Dubé. “These young people should be proud as they are playing a valuable and vital role in helping to improve the province's child welfare system.”

The report can be found on the Partners for Youth website.


21-11-13