Ernst and Young LLP has been awarded a $290,000 contract to complete a review of the province’s child welfare service delivery model and workload assessment for social workers.

The review was called after serious issues were raised about social worker staffing and caseloads.

A joint committee involving both the department and NAPE was struck to address some of the issues raised and resolved challenges identified by social workers.

Ernst and Young’s review, which will include recommendations on the appropriate skill mix required to provide child welfare services and improvements to existing programs is expected to be completed this fall.