Next steps

The Working Group sees this Blueprint as the starting point for the next stage of fundamental change to the child welfare system. These changes are necessary to support all children and youth in and from care. The Working Group recommends that as the ministry develops implementation plans, it continues to work with all relevant partners, including youth with diverse experiences in care, academic experts, partner ministries, community agencies and children's aid societies. The Working Group further recommends that ministry staff meet with Working Group members and observers quarterly to review progress on Blueprint implementation.

To address issues that need more attention than the current process could provide, it is essential and urgent that....

  • ... a separate Blueprint development process is supported for First Nations, Métis and Inuit children and youth.
  • .... the group care system is evaluated to make sure that it focuses on the best outcomes for youth, starting with a process that listens to the voices of youth in and from group care.