Message from the Minister
and Accountability Statement
I am pleased to present the 2007/08 – 2009/10 Service Plan for the Ministry of Children and Family Development. This plan
reflects the Ministry's goals and our strategies to achieve them over the next three years.
B.C. has an outstanding system of support that protects and empowers children and assists and strengthens families. We aim
to make it even stronger.
The Ministry is continuing to move forward on a comprehensive process of transformation that will enhance child and family
development services in British Columbia. This will result in regionalized decision-making, including a new model for Aboriginal
child and family services directed by Aboriginal people.
Throughout this process and beyond, child protection will remain a key ministry priority and a key element of B.C.'s child
and family development services. Over the past year, more than 100 additional social workers have joined the provincial team
and another 300 will be recruited over the next two years to provide added support at the community level.
This year's Service Plan reflects the Ministry's commitment to improve outcomes for B.C.'s young children. Participation in
cross ministry programs such as StrongStart BC and ActNow BC support healthy development, literacy and early learning opportunities
for children.
Over the next year, we will implement year five of B.C.'s Child and Youth Mental Health Plan to enhance services for B.C.
children and youth struggling with or at risk of developing mental disorders.
2007 will also mark the launch of the Ministry's first provincial youth advisory council to give youth a stronger voice in
designing policy and services to meet their needs.
The Ministry will continue to work with Community Living British Columbia,1 the Crown agency responsible for services for the developmentally disabled, to achieve its vision of people with developmental
disabilities leading good lives in inclusive, supportive communities.
Working with our government and community partners, B.C. is building an integrated service system that makes a positive difference
in the lives of children, youth and families. The Ministry has great focus, great staff and great commitment to accountability
and quality assurance through case reviews, evaluation, monitoring and reporting. The Ministry has challenging, yet achievable
goals within this Service Plan to guide us as we help children and families build on their strengths, work through their challenges
and achieve their aspirations.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development 2007/08 – 2009/10 Service Plan was prepared under my direction in accordance
with the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act. I am accountable for the basis on which the plan has been prepared. All material fiscal assumptions and policy decisions
as of February 12, 2007 have been considered in preparing the plan and I am accountable for achieving the specific objectives
in the plan.
Honourable Tom Christensen
Minister of Children and Family Development and
Minister Responsible for Community Living British Columbia
February 12, 2007