Child Intervention System Review
On July 22, 2009 Minister of Children and Youth Services, the Honourable Janis Tarchuk, announced a review panel, led by two child intervention specialists, will look at Alberta’s child intervention system to identify existing strengths, bring forward leading practices, and suggest ways the system may be strengthened to support the province’s most vulnerable and at-risk children, youth and families.
Why was the review called?
Society has changed a lot in recent years and our child intervention system must adjust along with it. We need to ensure that the way we support at-risk children and families keeps pace with population growth, demographic shifts and societal changes such as gang activity, addictions, human trafficking, and use of the Internet by predators as a tool for child sexual exploitation.
What is the scope of the review?
The review panel will examine the following questions:
- Are the necessary checks, balances and processes in place to ensure accountability and transparency in the child intervention system?
- Does the system have the capacity to effectively respond to emerging societal trends, service demands, and evolving workforce and practice issues?
- Is the system organized and aligned with leading practices and evidence-based research?
Review Panel Terms of Reference
Who’s on the panel? Panel Member Biographies
- Dr. Nico Trocmé, Philip Fisher Chair in Social Work at McGill University and Scientific Director of the Canadian Centre of Excellence in Child Welfare
- Peter Dudding, Executive Director of the Child Welfare League of Canada
- Dorothy Ahlgren, Co-chair, CACP Crime Prevention Committee and Chair, Coalition on Community Safety, Health and Well-being
- Mike DeGagné, Executive Director, Aboriginal Healing Foundation
- Jane Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex
- Sandra Harrison, Mental Health Patient Advocate
- Josie Hill, Executive Director, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre
- Kenn Richard, Executive Director, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
- Dr. Gayla Rogers, Dean, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary
- Cal Dallas, MLA for Red Deer-South
When will the review take place?
The panel will conduct its work over the fall and winter, and it is expected to provide a final report to the Minister by spring 2010. The report findings will be made public.
Questions for Albertans from the Child Intervention System Review Panel
The review panel believes that it is important to hear from Albertans about how best to support children, youth and families who are at-risk. On behalf of the review panel, co-Chairs Dr. Nico Trocmé and Mr. Peter Dudding invite you to share your knowledge and experience of how child intervention works in this province – and how it can be improved in years to come.
Two options are available to Albertans for providing input to the panel - a survey and/or responding to questions in the Discussion Guide.
SURVEY- this survey has been prepared to gather your views in key ares of Alberta's child intervention system. You can complete the survey in either of the following ways:
1) Print and fill out the survey in the Discussion Guide and mail the completed survey to:
Alberta Child Intervention Review
901 Baker Centre
10025 - 106 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 1G4
2) Complete the survey online.
WRITTEN RESPONSES - Albertans can provide a written response to the questions posed in the Discussion Guide. In responding to the questions, please provide the panel with any experiences, thoughts, ideas or suggestions that you feel are important. Responses can be submitted to either of the following addresses:
1) E-mail: albertachildinterventionreview@sumeraconsulting.com
2) Mail your response to:
Alberta Child Intervention Review
901 Baker Centre
10025 - 106 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 1G4
Responses are encouraged to be submitted by November 30, 2009. Thank you for your participation and input.
QUESTIONS - Albertans who have questions about completing the survey or submitting a written response can call 780-756-5202.
