Child Care Policies

We are not ready to meet with government on this yet – recommend we do more research.

The current Child Care policies need to be redrafted since they do not appear to meet current needs of children, families or the community – recommend a shift to “Family Friendly’” policies.

To help to initiate policy development process (example)

Identify stakeholders:

• Care providers (formal and informal)
• End users/those affected by policies such as parents
• Family & Community Services (FCS) Caseworkers (non-financial)
• Mental Health resources (e.g. child psychologist)
• Family Resource Centres
• Early intervention Specialists
• Consult children
• Businesses (employers)

Link policies appropriately with Social and Economic aspects.

Approach government with a strong, united voice

Recognize and focus some energy on the gaps such as:

• lack of resources to deal with children who fall outside of the ‘special needs’ policies yet still have significant problems
• the need for improved child care and more choices of care especially in relation to children with disabilities and other issues

The intent of new policy would be to facilitate the return to the workforce (paid or unpaid) by removing barriers such as child care costs and lack of choice.

Overall recurring theme - Current policy development is based on short-term goals whereas the need is to plan for long-term outcomes - the only effective way to have social policy expenditures eventually result in substantial dividends.

Health Card

We want Healthy Communities and the government wants to invest in people. Therefore, we wish to invest in the community by addressing the issues of Health Card. The policy is a good one that can help to remove or decrease some barriers to employment. Similarly, losing the card or not having one at all creates a huge barrier. Such a policy can meet goals of both levels of government, and the community - all want healthier communities and know the benefits of good health and sound employment. The current policy requires improvement – we would like to engage all stakeholders in a comprehensive review.

Issues with the current programs include

• Lack of clear policies and practices (e.g. more staff and client education is required)
• Lack of recognition and support by many employers that a work place benefits plan helps to attract and retain employees (need for education/awareness)

Those who need to be at the table include

• Representatives from Health and Welfare, Canada, FCS-NB, including staff of regional offices of social assistance …
• Senior reps from UCSN and other similar anti-poverty groups
• Court reps/Probation officers
• Citizens’ groups (organizations/service providers/consumers/seniors)