Social Development Minister Accepts Recommendations

Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard says a report from the Child and Youth Advocate clearly shows the gaps in the system and a need to understand how they accumulated.

She says her department will act on the four recommendations in Norm Bossé’s report detailing on a case of child neglect in Saint John.

Shephard says the report also shows there were some deflection strategies on behalf of one or both parents.

“We have to keep our eye on the child. I have been in touch with my colleagues to realize that together we can help bring resources to the front line social worker to help them achieve the goal of ensuring they keep their eyes on the children.” Shephard said.

The children, in this case, are now thriving and Shephard says what is troubling here is that it should have happened sooner.