FREDERICTON (GNB) – A response was issued today by Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers in regards to the Jan. 30 recommendations of the Child Death Review Committee, which reviewed the deaths of three children.

“The protection of children is one of our primary concerns at the Department of Social Development,” said Rogers. “I thank the committee for its review of these cases and recommendations that can help improve the child welfare system for children and their families.”

The committee reviews the facts and circumstances related to the sudden and unexpected deaths of all children under 19 years of age in New Brunswick. In cases where the child was under the care of or had received services from the Minister of Social Development, the Chief Coroner provides the minister with the recommendations that relate to services provided by the department.

In January, the committee issued two recommendations through the Office of the Chief Coroner. Under the terms of reference of the committee, the department must respond to recommendations within 45 days.

Following are the two recommendations from the Child Death Review Committee and the responses:

Recommendation #1

That the Department of Social Development continue to reinforce the Practice Standards regarding the evaluation of sleeping areas for infants and young children; as well as the education to parents, caregivers and families regarding safe sleeping practices and safe sleeping surfaces that are highlighted in the Loving Care booklets and video education.

Response

Consistent with the Minister’s response to previous recommendations, the Multiple Response Practice Standards in Child Protection and Family Enhancement Services were previously amended to recommend that in the case of infants and very young children, in addition to observing the child’s sleeping area, the social worker will review safe sleeping practices and safe sleeping surfaces with the parent.

The Practice Standards include a link to the health website in order for social workers to access the Loving Care series of booklets and a link to the Public Health Agency of Canada website for instructional videos.

The Department of Social Development will continue to collaborate with community partners to share best practices and reinforce the safety, well-being and development of children who are mutual clients.

Recommendation #2

That the Regional Report: Death of A Child provided by the Department of Social Development include a list of assessments conducted and the level of the assessment as well as the tools used to conduct such screening and assessments.

Response

The Minister accepts this recommendation and will make the appropriate amendments to the Procedures for Reports to the Child Death Review Committee. The recommendation relates to the provision of information that the Coroner is entitled to receive pursuant to section 9.1 of the Coroners Act, SNB, c. C-23, which permits the Coroner to “inspect information in any records relating to the deceased or his circumstances, notwithstanding that the information or records may be confidential under another Act”.

LINKS:

 

02-04-15