This morning the provincial government filed its response to a court action taken by the Public Guardian and Trustee regarding a former social worker accused of financial improprieties related to youth in government care. First Call is pleased to see that government “admits vicarious liability for the actions of the MORE
The BC Government recently launched the erase portal (expect respect & a safe education). The portal provides parents and students with helpful tips and advice on how to address bullying. The site also includes a confidential online reporting tool for youth to report bullying. It is part of the erase MORE
Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement, supported by research evidence, warning parents against spanking their children, defined as “non-injurious, open handed hitting with the intention of modifying child behavior.” They cite a study in the U.S. that found children who were spanked more than MORE
CBC News: Legislation sets path for human rights commission to return to B.C. CBC News: Homeless, vulnerable only find best health care when at death’s door, UVic study finds CTV News: Greyhound exit leaves gap for homeless, domestic violence shelters CBC News: Province responds to allegations against employee who allegedly siphoned funds from Indigenous MORE
CBC News: Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to develop memorial register of residential school deaths BC Local News: Residential school ‘monster’ now lives in child-welfare system: senator Delta Optimist: B.C. announces new transition housing for women fleeing violence Benzinga: Public education is a strong equalizing force in Canadian society, UNICEF MORE
The major rise in caesarean sections around the world is being called unprecedented and unjustified. The Lancet Series finds that the global rate of caesarean birth has doubled in the past 15 years to 21%, and is increasing annually by 4%. There is growing concern as women who do not MORE
Nanos, Plan International, and Because I am a Girl shared results from a September 2018 survey of 1000 Canadian girls. The survey found that three in four Canadian girls report experiencing gender-based discrimination and two in three have a female friend who has been sexually harassed. Almost one year since MORE
The newest petition launched by the $10aDay Campaign expresses appreciation for the BC government’s bold steps to address the child care situation in BC. The government is lowering parent fees, raising educator wages and education, and creating more licensed spaces. $10aDay Campaign thanks everyone who has participated in the campaign MORE
Last Friday, First Call submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Labour and The Law Institute of B.C. calling for better government protection for children who are working. First Call’s recommendations provide a framework for the B.C. government to develop employment standards consistent with Canada’s commitment to establish 16 as the age for MORE
StarMetro Vancouver: Children being injured on the job: child advocates call for better labour standards CBC News: B.C. labour laws need serious reform, workers’ advocates say CTV News: New report highlights ‘alarming’ state of Canadian kids’ well-being The Kingston Whig Standard: Mental health and obesity, along with math and reading, are issues facing kids MORE
Thank you to Amy Lubik for sourcing the article. In 2015, a group of researchers from Boston University Schools of Medicine and of Public Health conducted a study on children under the age of one at well child cares. The study investigated if systemically screening for unmet basic needs and providing simple MORE
The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) published a paper titled Understanding Social Work and Child Welfare: Canadian Survey and Interviews with Child Welfare Experts earlier this month. The research took two main forms: a nation-wide, bilingual survey completed by more than 3,200 social workers, as well as interviews with child-welfare leaders MORE
The UBC Faculty of Education and the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada are pleased to announce the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture. The distinguished speaker for the event is Marta Santos Pais, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children. The event is on September 13, 2018 and RSVPs MORE
BC Local News: COLUMN: Child poverty still a problem in B.C. CBC News: B.C. First Nation secures federal funding for plan to keep children out of foster care CBC News: Mom says flight attendant told her to keep toddler with autism quiet CBC News: Downtown Eastside daycare closing after failing to meet city grant MORE
The Greater Nanaimo Early Years Partnership released their third State of the Child Report that supports investments in the first years of a child’s life and highlights how the community supports the positive development of young people. It provides an overview of the situations of family and economic wellbeing, health and wellness, MORE