Dear Dr. Dunst:
Thank you for your e-mail of October 7, 2009, regarding recent decisions about services provided by the Office of the Provincial Advisor for Infant Development Program (IDP).
I would like to make very clear that direct services to children will not be reduced as a result of the decision to discontinue the advisor positions.
In the last week of September 2009, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) met with the Development Disabilities Association to advise them of the ministry’s decision to discontinue the IDP Provincial Advisor role. Also, an agreement was reached with the British Columbia Aboriginal Friendship Centre to extend the Aboriginal Infant Development Advisor for a six month period, during which an analysis 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 analysis, options to support the ongoing development of the Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program will also be considered.
Diana Elliott will continue as the Provincial Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP) Advisor while the analysis is completed. Diana has held this position for the past seven years and has been instrumental in supporting nineteen additional programs in this province.
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.
Historically, the Provincial Advisor for IDP and AIDP included funds to support professional development and training for community agency staff; transition planning is taking place until the end of the calendar year to determine options on how these opportunities will be managed in the future. The roles of the regional IDP advisors will also be planned for in the transition.
These have been particularly difficult decisions based on our need to protect direct services to children, youth and their families. Budgets for the direct service programs in the regions are being maintained this fiscal year, nearly $18 million for the Infant Development Program; more than $57 million for Supported Child Development; and $4 million for Children First.
With continued economic uncertainty, budget pressures and the need to preserve the direct service levels in our agencies, difficult decisions must be made in the best interest of our families. The impacted professionals are held in our highest regard and we acknowledge and value their contributions.
Should you have any questions regarding the information in this letter please call Jackie Behrens, Project Manager, Regional Council Support Team, MCFD. Jackie can be reached by telephone at 250 356-2896 or via e-mail at Jackqueline.Behrens@gov.bc.ca.
I would like to acknowledge the work you do for children and families in your community, and your dedication to providing support to them.
Sincerely,
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
Mary Polak
Minister
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