New Brunswick Minister Faces Criticism Over Youth Support Program Failures
No promises from minister after report on at-risk youth that critics call alarming, heartbreaking
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New Brunswick's Social Development Minister Cindy Miles acknowledged gaps in youth support services following a report detailing the denial of aid to a homeless teen who later died. Despite three recommendations from Child and Youth Advocate Kelly Lamrock, Miles did not commit to implementing them, raising concerns from advocates and lawmakers about the effectiveness of the current system.
- 01The report by Child and Youth Advocate Kelly Lamrock highlighted critical failures in New Brunswick's Youth Engagement Services program, leading to the denial of support for at-risk youth.
- 02Minister Cindy Miles expressed regret over the report's findings but did not promise to implement the recommended changes.
- 03The Youth Engagement Services program has been renamed and expanded to assist individuals up to 26 years old, with previous barriers to access being removed.
- 04Critics, including John Sharpe of Partners for Youth, argue that the program should not be managed by the Social Development department due to ongoing access issues.
- 05Calls for increased involvement of social workers in decision-making roles have emerged from various stakeholders, including the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers.
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In response to a report by Child and Youth Advocate Kelly Lamrock, New Brunswick's Social Development Minister Cindy Miles acknowledged significant shortcomings in the province's Youth Engagement Services program. The report revealed that a homeless teen was denied support before his death, prompting Lamrock to recommend a legislative committee review, a third-party assessment of support criteria, and improved tracking of applications. While Miles expressed remorse, she did not commit to implementing these recommendations. She mentioned plans for an 'actions to outcomes conversation' to improve the program, which has recently been expanded to assist youth aged up to 26. Critics, including John Sharpe, executive director of Partners for Youth, highlighted the need for the program to be overseen by professionals rather than the Social Development department, citing persistent access issues. The New Brunswick Association of Social Workers also emphasized the necessity of including social workers in leadership roles to ensure effective support for vulnerable youth. Calls for an all-party committee to address these systemic issues have been made by various lawmakers.
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The failures in the youth support system could lead to continued harm for at-risk youth in New Brunswick, affecting their access to necessary services.
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