WINNIPEG - The province says a new guardianship program with General Child and Family Services Authority will help make sure that children grow up with their family members.
Families Minister Rochelle Squires says explains the Supported Guardianship Program will assist families, relatives, and potential caregivers who are considered family who commit to giving a child the life-long care they need, ensuring that children are raised within their own culture. Candidates would include relatives who have cared for a child continuously for at least six months.
The plan is aimed to help children who are subject to permanent orders sought by agencies, and those who are deemed permanent wards, and requires that a culturally-appropriate authority must confirm that the guardianship placement in the child’s best interest, and explore other qualified family members as needed.
Citing decades-long studies, General CFS Authority CEO Jay Rodgers says evidence is now well established that kids who grow up in a loving, stable family homes are more likely to have longer-term positive life outcomes and thrive as adults.
Rodgers says there are around 1,000 children in care in the province, nearly 600 of whom are considered permanent wards.
The province plans to fully implement the guardianship program this fall pending training and new hires.
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