More abuse revealed: BCACL urges enquiry into special needs foster care
The BC Association for Community Living issued a press statement today stating that the Province's foster care system is failing youth with special needs, following another horrific case of abuse in which the caregive was not appropriately screened.
MOMS applauds BCACL's leadership and strongly endorses the concerns, which reflect the feedback from our provincial family network.
Last year, the BC government, through CLBC and MCFD, undertook a major "service redesign" program that cut funding to group homes serving adults and youths with developmental disabilities, forcing many individuals to be moved against their will into cheaper private foster /home share arrangements. Moms and other groups urged the Province to reconsider the cuts in light of the significant risks to these highly vulnerable individuals, especially after revelations that students and others were being recruited to provide care via Craigslist ads offering free housing and/or easy money to caregivers.
A key concern, which was echoed broadly at two public community meetings hosted by a coalition of community groups last fall, was the lack of an independent ombudsman or representative to ensure that the interests of individuals were protected as the Province continues to severely cut back existing service contracts and support levels to address growing waitlists.
MOMS is part of an unprecedented consensus among community living groups that have been continuing to meet to develop a coordinated response to the funding challenges, with more details expected to be released shortly.
Link to BCACL Press Release: "Foster care system failing youths with special needs"
April 13th, 2012 - 19:44
My two children were both abused in special needs homes, specialised foster homes, foster home, group homes and even so bad they were hospetalised. no one would listen to me and my thoughts, I had to wait the year out until she could be reurned home. One of them beaten so badley they had over 100 blood blisters on there back and too many bruises to count. After many years of myself being in fostercare and being abused so many times myself I knew what to expect behind closed doors of those social workers who take our children away and give them to “professionals” who know how to properly handle them. But really I know all to well and me and my daughter have both have childhood diagnosis. Never be fooled…. those “specialised Homes” for the “special Needs children” arent so specialised afterall.