October 9, 2009
RE: Provincial Advisors for Infant Development Program, Supported Child Development, Children First and Aboriginal Infant Development
Dear Community Partner,
This letter is to inform you of recent decisions regarding services provided by the Offices of the Provincial Advisors for Infant Development (IDP), Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP), Supported Child Development (SCD) and Children First (CF). Economic uncertainty, budget pressures and the need to preserve the direct service levels in our contracted agencies have impacted our ability to continue our funding support to IDP, SCD and CF Advisors.
In the last week of September, MCFD met with the Development Disabilities Association and the Comox Valley Child Development Association to advise them of the ministry’s decision to discontinue the Provincial Advisors role. In addition, an agreement was reached with the British Columbia Aboriginal Friendship Centre to extend the Aboriginal Infant Development Advisor for a six month period. An analysis and review of this position and the budget will determine its future role within ministry transformation of services and supports to Aboriginal families. As part of this review, options to support the ongoing development of the Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program will also be considered.
As part of this change, it must be noted that since the inception of the IDP Advisor in 1975, Dana Brynelson has made extraordinary contributions and been an outstanding leader in establishing and supporting Infant Development Programs throughout the province. Similarly, the SCD Advisors, Lorraine Aitken and Tanya Brown, have made significant contributions through establishing, supporting and mentoring Supported Child Development Programs across the province.
Diana Elliott will continue as the Provincial AIDP Advisor until the review is completed. Diana has held this position for the past seven years and has been instrumental in supporting nineteen additional programs in this province.
Historically, the Provincial Advisor contracts for IDP and SCD included funds to support professional development and training for community agency staff. Transition planning will take place to determine options on how these opportunities will be managed in the future. The role of the Regional IDP Advisors will also be considered in the transition. Contracts for direct services will not be reduced as a result of the decision to discontinue the advisor positions.
If you have questions regarding information in this letter please feel welcome to call.
Kind Regards,
Alanna Robson
Manager of Strategic Planning and Project Development
Fraser Region, Ministry of Children and Family Development
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