A provincial report on child welfare services involving Indigenous children, youth and families outlines the overrepresentation of Indigenous children and youth in care in the province, but also points to some positive early trends.
The report, tabled in the House of Assembly this week, found that 36 per cent of children in care are Indigenous even though the total Indigenous population is 12 per cent. It also found that while 70 per cent of Indigenous children were placed within their communities or culture, 30 per cent were not.
The report found the overall number of Indigenous children in care dropped by 42 per cent since 2018, something the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development calls “early positive results.”
The report is in response to recommendation number 33 of the 2019 Child and Youth Advocate’s report resulting from an independent review of Child Welfare Services to Inuit Children in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Efforts are now underway to improve on the report’s findings. Minister John Abbott has written all Indigenous governments and organizations, providing a copy of the report, and inviting them to join an Indigenous Children and Youth Data Working Group focused on reducing the number of Indigenous children in care.
An inquiry into Innu children in care has been launched and preliminary work has already begun.
Jun 10, 2021 – Inquiry Into Innu Children in Care Another Step Closer with Appointment of Commissioners
