In a move they said would “strengthen the system, improve transparency and support better outcomes for children, youth and families”, the Manitoba government announced today they were launching an independent external review of the funding and governance model of Child and Family Services.
“This review is about building a stronger system that helps keep children safe and supported while ensuring families, communities, and nations have the resources they need to care for their children,” said Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine. “Since the introduction of the Single Envelope Funding model, there have been dramatic changes to the child welfare landscape. This review responds directly to calls from Indigenous leadership and rights holders for greater transparency within the provincial system now and as they work to reclaim jurisdiction over child welfare.”
In a release, the provincial government said the current model, introduced in 2019 under the Progressive Conservative government, had been criticized by Indigenous leadership and rights holders and has never undergone a comprehensive review. This review will be undertaken by an external consulting firm.
According to the province, this review will focus on assessing funding supports and pressures within Manitoba’s CFS system, examining financial management and oversight practices throughout the system, reviewing governance structures as they relate to funding and accountability, and identifying funding and governance opportunities to support the return of Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare.
The review is expected to begin later this year and take approximately a year to complete.
