MCFD-Response:INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS ARE PROTECTED

OPINION-EDITORIAL
INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS ARE PROTECTED

By Hon. Mary Polak
Minister of Children and Family Development
October 7, 2009

VICTORIA – In the Legislature on October 5, NDP MLA Maurine Karagianis suggested the Infant Development Program was being cut and then stated that for rural families, “... there will be no place to go to try and get the kind of support system that families need.”

These reckless and irresponsible comments are untrue and have created a great deal of unnecessary anxiety for families that depend on this service – particularly for families in rural B.C.

The only change is the phasing out of two provincial advisors. These two positions do NOT deliver direct services to infants and children. The positions have served as an intermediary between the ministry and service providers, and have helped the ministry build a successful foundation for both our Infant Development and our Supported Child Development programs.

The fact is the Infant Development Program is not being cut, and no changes have been made to the Supported Child Development program. Both programs continue to receive full funding with $18-million for the Infant Development Program - an all-time high - and $57 million for the Supported Child Development program. Service delivery will not be interrupted – these programs continue to be offered to all families in B.C. who need them.

The Infant Development Program serves children who are at risk for, or who already have, a developmental delay. To date, more than 65,000 infants and their families have participated in the program. Supported Child Development provides a range of consulting and support services to children, families and child care centres so that children with extra support needs can fully participate in child care settings. This program reaches about 9,000 children annually and serves children from birth to age 12, with services for youth 13-19 years available in some communities.

The decision to eliminate the advisor positions is part of our effort to reduce administrative costs and invest those dollars where they are needed most – in direct, front-line services for children and families.

Parents can learn more by calling 250 387-7027 in Victoria, or toll-free 1-877-387-7027 from anywhere in the province.