VANCOUVER—A final report from a special adviser on indigenous children in care in British Columbia offers 85 recommendations on how to overhaul the aboriginal child-welfare system in the province. Grand Chief Ed John’s report calls for reducing the need for indigenous kids and youth to come into care, increasing support services that help keep families together and enabling greater access to legal services. It also urges a more equitable funding formula between the province and federal government, an increase in early intervention services and more ministry staff for First Nations communities. The portion of aboriginal kids in B.C. The Children’s Ministry, which appointed John as a special adviser last year, says it’s working currently on 40 of the recommendations in the report.

Source: thestar November 21, 2016 23:07 UTC