The Representative for Children and Youth reviews and investigates child deaths and critical injuries to identify and thoughtfully analyze issues, particularly in service delivery. The intent is to help prevent similar deaths or injuries, and to inform improvements to services.
Dawn Thomas-Wightman has been named Acting Deputy Representative for Children and Youth in British Columbia, Representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond announced this week.
Thomas-Wightman brings nearly 20 years of direct experience in child welfare through her various roles with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), delegated Aboriginal Agencies (DAAs) and the Representative’s Office. She takes over from former Deputy John Greschner, who moves into a new position as Executive Lead, External Relations and Strategic Direction at the RCY.
The British Columbia government should begin providing appropriate care for children and youth who have multiple vulnerabilities – including developmental, psychological and medical needs – Representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond said today as she released her latest report.
The provincial government must step up its commitment to helping British Columbia’s most vulnerable children and youth by following through on recommendations, Representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond said today as she released her Office’s latest report Not Fully Invested: A Follow-up Report on the Representative’s Past Recommendations to Help Vulnerable Children in B.C.
This report provides an overview of the Office's work on behalf of the vulnerable children and youth of B.C. over the past year and a plan reflecting future goals and objectives.
Our purpose in writing is twofold: we urge you to discuss at the upcoming meeting of the Council of the Federation the national tragedy reflected in the disproportionate number of Aboriginal children taken into government care across Canada; and, we encourage you to attend to this crucial issue by developing specific national solutions.
