Youth with developmental disabilities will have increased support and advocacy during their transition to Community Living BC's (CLBC) adult services, as the B.C. government moves to broaden the Representative for Children and Youth mandate.

Up until their 24th birthday, young adults with developmental disabilities who are seeking CLBC services or programs will benefit from the advocacy efforts of the Representative as they make the change from child services to adult services. This will help ensure these young adults' voices are heard and their needs are met during what can be a difficult time in their lives.

The advocacy mandate expansion will take effect on Sept. 30, 2013, as requested by the Representative. This delivers on a promise the provincial government made.

This change reflects the B.C. government's commitment to improve transition planning for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families - a pledge made following the deputy ministers' review of CLBC, Improving Services to People with Developmental Disabilities, released January 2012.

Recent amendments were also made to the Representative for Children and Youth Act. They include increased information sharing between the Representative's office and public bodies, strengthened reporting requirements, and the provision for appointing an acting Representative, when required. These changes - in addition to the expansion of the Representative's mandate - implement all of the recommendations made by the select standing committee on children and youth in its review of the act.

Ensuring that vulnerable children and families receive the support they need is a part of B.C.'s Family Agenda. Under B.C.'s Family Agenda, government is strengthening policies, programs and services to protect vulnerable British Columbians. To learn more, visit: http://www.familiesfirstbc.ca/

Quotes:

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"Our government wants to ensure young adults with developmental disabilities, as well as their families, have continued support as they transition to Community Living BC. These changes will help to improve this transition by providing these individuals with the continued advocacy of B.C.'s Representative for Children and Youth. We greatly appreciate the hard work that the Representative has done in improving the lives of children and families, and we look forward to working with her towards that joint goal."

Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux -

"It takes a team of people to offer the right planning and supports for young people with special needs to transition into adulthood and lead healthy, productive lives. This important change reflects our belief that no one in that team is more important than the young person making that transition."

Minister of Social Development Dr. Moira Stilwell -

"I would like to thank the Representative for Children and Youth for her good work and strong advocacy. The interests of B.C.'s children and youth are at the heart of these changes that will help to ensure a smoother transition for youth as they enter adulthood and continue to pursue a meaningful and inclusive life."

Quick Facts:

• B.C.'s Representative for Children and Youth, an independent officer of the legislature, provides advocacy services to ensure that the voice and views of young people are heard and that their rights and interests are upheld in decisions that are being made about them.
• Each year, approximately 550 young adults transition from special needs services through the Ministry of Children and Family Development to CLBC adult services.

Learn More:

Government continues to deliver on the 12 recommendations included in the deputy ministers' review of CLBC, Improving Services to People with Developmental Disabilities. Progress updates are available at: www.sd.gov.bc.ca/pwd/isst.html

Community Living BC (CLBC) works with individuals, families, contracted service providers, employer groups and the Ministry of Social Development to provide targeted employment spaces for people with developmental disabilities: http://www.communitylivingbc.ca/

The Ministry of Children and Family Development delivers transition planning services for children and youth with special needs and their families. Transition planning is a partnership involving the individual with special needs, their family, local service providers, school personnel and other key people involved with the child or youth: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/spec_needs/transition.htm

The Office of the Representative for Children and Youth is focused on ensuring children and youth who receive government services in B.C. are protected and safe: http://www.rcybc.ca/

Contact:

James Beresford
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice|
250 356-6423
778 679-8646 (cell)