The Province is making progress in its commitment to improve supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families, announced Minister of Social Development Stephanie Cadieux.

I wanted to take this opportunity to clear up some confusion that has been swirling around regarding supports and services provided by the Ministry of Social Development.

The Province has completed the selection process for two external advisory panels that will monitor the success of the new Employment Program of B.C., and has also identified the organization that will create a Centre for Employment Excellence.

Up to 300 young families and youth in government care will benefit from a Family and Youth Partnership pilot project aimed at helping them find employment and build healthier futures, announced Minister of Social Development Stephanie Cadieux.

Over the next decade, there will be about 1.1 million job openings in this province. British Columbians need to be ready to take advantage of these opportunities so they can support their families and contribute to their communities.

The new Employment Program of BC will provide unemployed British Columbians with the supports and services they need to do just that - get back to work and be self-sufficient.

With the launch of Phase 2 of the Integrated Case Management (ICM) System on April 2, 2012, the Province is taking another important step in protecting and supporting B.C.'s most vulnerable citizens, said Minister of Social Development Stephanie Cadieux.

Since the Client Support Team began accepting requests in October 2011, 226 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have taken advantage of the team's services.