The B.C. Minister of Children and Family Development and the Minister Responsible for Child Care was in Fort St. John, Monday on invitation from Patt Pimm, the MLA for Peace River North.
Mary Polak says her ministry is trying to make positive changes but adds that it will take time to rebuild trust within some communities so that families do not feel threatened by her ministry.
[asset|aid=3029|format=mp3player|formatter=asset_bonus|title=d3d4a23a2744a20bce5696b10b7e051b-Polak 1_1_Pub.mp3]
Polak says the ministry is trying to look at things from a preventative standpoint instead of dealing with the after effects if something tragic happens to a family.
She adds that one of the ways the ministry is trying to change their approach is if a family asks for help, then ministry officials can assess the family and try and determine in what areas a family may need help and not simply if a child is in danger.
Polak also addressed daycare for low-income families, saying her ministry is continuing to increase the subsidy rates.
Furthermore, the ministry will be looking into policy changes in regards to before and after school child care and child care for parents who don’t necessarily work only Monday to Friday, she says.
Polak was the second minister to visit Fort St. John this week. Bill Bennett, the minister of energy, mines and petroleum resources will be visiting the city later this week.
