With hundreds of children in the province currently in foster care, some being housed in hotels and apartment buildings, and private care operators looking to fill the gaps, government must look at the type of system needed to strengthen foster care for the future, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

“There are many systemic gaps in our province’s foster care system,” said Ms. Jones. “While our system should be publicly funded, there are precedents that show the private sector already participating in the delivery of services. There are group homes, hotels and apartment buildings being used to house young people in environments that are not always considered the most secure with the most appropriate level of service available.

“I understand the rationale for allowing private foster care services into our province to help cover the gaps that exist, but the implications of allowing this need to be thoroughly investigated. If private foster care services are to make its way into our system, there certainly needs to be significant legislative and regulatory changes to govern such a system. We are talking about our children and youth and we cannot afford to make mistakes.

“Government appears committed to a publicly funded foster care system and has recently invested more money into attracting families to participate in the public program. Even with the continuing promotion and investment efforts, the gaps still exist and young people are falling through the cracks.