Is B.C. Child Protection Service unsafe? Evidence is mounting. | Unpublished
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Ron Unruh
Surrey, British Columbia
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Today I am an artist, blogger, author & speechwriter. Years ago my graphic art ambition was displaced by theology and altruistic service. Art became my pastime as visual images conceded to word pictures. I acquired Master’s & Doctoral degrees, spent 34 yrs as a pastor and 6 yrs as a denominational executive concluding in ‘08. My faith and principles remain firm as I paint and write.  Now writing books, blogging and painting, speaking and travelling.

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Is B.C. Child Protection Service unsafe? Evidence is mounting.

December 16, 2015

Here in British Columbia, the Ministry of Children and Family Development receives constant public scrutiny when one case after another infers incompetant case management and bureacratic bungling and blame-shifting for failures at some level of service and care. After Justice Walker ruled against the Ministry and in favour of a woman who sued the Ministry, the government promises an independent review. One wondered how objective the review would be when the person was selected by the government and was formerly connected to the Ministry. Yet, the result has been a report that the government did not expect and it cannot please them.     Ron Unruh

You will remember that in 2015, a judge ruled in the favour of a mother who filed suit against the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Hers was a case in which her children were removed from her and given into the care of her husband whom it was alleged had sexually abused them. Justice Paul Walker not only condemned the Ministry but awarded the custody of the children to their mother. 

The government sadly refused to go down without a face saving fight, and said they would launch an independent review of the Ministry essentially hoping that said review would dispute the judge’s opinions. Bob Plecas was given that task. Now CBC news has reported that Bob Plecas fulfilled his mandate and delivered his review of the Ministry of Children and Family Development. It does appear that he did maintain his independence because it does not make a pleasant read for the Ministry leadership.  You can read the full report from Bob Plecas.

Mr. Plecas’ report into the current state of child protection in B.C. calls for an immediate overhaul of a system that lacks leadership, accountability and funding. Former deputy minister Bob Plecas's report says that a four-year plan needs to be implemented immediately at the Ministry of Child and Family Development and should contain a funding commitment to turn the system around. The B.C. child protection service is unsafe and in crisis says the report.

by Ron Unruh

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