B.C. government's new social service delivery plan will cut services to
vulnerable people

VANCOUVER, Aug. 6 /CNW/ - People who rely on community social services on southern Vancouver Island are in jeopardy because of the Ministry of Children and Family Development's new South Island Contracted Service Delivery Plan. The plan is currently being implemented.

Under the plan, the financial allocation for contracted social services on the south island will be reduced by roughly $2 million to $20 million, down from the allocated $21.9 million and estimated $22.3 million for 2009-10.

The service cuts proposed by the plan are expected to include:

    
    -  Outreach supports to high-risk youth in care living independently.
    -  Psycho-educational related to eating disorders.
    -  Family and child counseling and support, navigation and referral.
    -  Support for children and youth in Victoria who've been sexually
       abused.
    

It appears that the planned cuts and changes will be implemented in part through the shuffling of service providers and contracts.

The BCGEU is aware of the following impacts on social service agencies on southern Vancouver Island resulting from the South Island Service Delivery Plan.

PHOENIX has issued layoff notice for seven full time family counselors in its employment program, effective September 30.

The ministry has told PACIFIC CENTRE that its Project Parent Intensive Parenting Program will be closed as of September 30. The closure affects five full time and two part time employees.

It is unclear whether the services provided by these agencies will be permanently lost under the delivery plan.

"The people of B.C. pay for these vital community social services through their tax dollars," said BCGEU president Darryl Walker. "Demand for these services is rising at the same time the B.C. Liberal government is cutting. We oppose any change to service delivery that puts vulnerable people at risk of not being able to access the programs they need."

For further information: BCGEU Communications at 604-291-9611