Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Minister of Social Development
Nov. 16, 2011
When Community Living BC was created, it was based on a vision put forward by families and self-advocates who had a vision of a government-funded organization that would allow people with developmental disabilities to lead productive lives; build rich relationships; have financial security and employment opportunities; and be accepted and valued as citizens.
The creation of CLBC also made British Columbia one of the first jurisdictions to treat developmentally disabled adults as individuals - respecting their right to lead independent, meaningful lives and to be fully integrated into their communities.
For the past six years, CLBC has worked with individuals and their families to fulfil that promise.
In recent months, however, there have been some troubling signs at CLBC and many British Columbians have begun asking questions about the way the organization has been operating. There have also been concerns that families are not being afforded the respect and involvement they deserve when plans are developed for their loved ones.
With the goal of finding real solutions for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and for the system that provides those supports to those individuals, I have initiated a number of changes over the past weeks aimed at improving the governance and operations at CLBC.
Immediate changes include the creation of a cross-ministry Client Support Team to work with individuals with developmental disabilities and with their families who are concerned about the services and supports that they're receiving from CLBC. I also asked for the termination of the system that saw bonuses paid to managers.
In addition, I requested and have received an interim update from the board of CLBC with their vision for the organization and how they expect to achieve this vision. I will be sharing this document once I've had a chance to review it with the CLBC board.
To get an accurate understanding of the broader situation, an internal audit team is gathering information related to the service demand, performance management, and cost analysis for CLBC.
At the same time, a deputy minister working group is examining how individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are supported by government ministries and how CLBC assesses and prioritizes needs. Both of these reports are expected before the end of the year, and I have committed to sharing the findings from these reports with the public.
I have also been meeting with service providers and with families - some of them the same stakeholders that helped to drive the creation of CLBC - to better understand the challenges they're facing and to hear their thoughts on how we can evolve and improve the services offered by CLBC to better serve them.
This rigorous and thorough look at CLBC is focused on determining exactly what is working and what is not. Government needs an accurate understanding of the current situation so that we can ensure services are being provided where needed, and individuals and families are being respected throughout the process. We know that changes need to be made, but we need to ensure that any changes address the real problems families are facing, and do so with as little disruption to families as possible.
I have made my expectations clear to CLBC that they must do better for those who are dependent on their support. British Columbians have been clear about that, and individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have been clear. Families want the best for their loved ones, and they need to be involved and part of the solution - they are at the heart of what CLBC is creating.
When CLBC was created in 2005, it was established to meet the unique needs and goals of the individuals it serves, closing the chapter in our history where those with developmental disabilities were treated as burdens and their individuality and uniqueness ignored.
We know that we cannot go backwards. We must renew our commitment to support people and families in B.C. with developmental disabilities. We must do better for them, and for all British Columbians.
