The plight of Inuit children in the child protection system was the focus of the Child and Youth Advocate’s report released this morning in Nain.

When the review was launched, there were 1,005 children in care in the province, 345 were Indigenous and 150 of those were Inuit.

Child and Youth Advocate Jackie Lake Kavanagh says the issue is systemic in nature and requires “bold change” where young people are heard, relationships reset and power shared.

The Independent Review was launched following a formal request from the Nunatsiavut Government. Children are often completely removed from their communities and they expressed fears about losing cultural connections and missing their homes.

Among the Advocate’s 33 recommends are that the department ensure Inuit values, knowledge and cultural practices are integrated in all policies, planning and services for Inuit children.

Transition planning, an audit of all out-of-community placements and all access visits designed for the benefit of the child are also among her recommendations.

Read the Child and Youth Advocate’s report – A Long Wait for Change – at this link.