Category: Social Issues: Children

 

Title:What a difference a decade makes: counting the benefits of investment in early childhood development in Quebec.
Author(s):Japel, Christa
Citation:Paediatrics & Child, Vol. 14 No. 10, December 2009
Subject:Children – services, planning|split|Child care – Canada
Publisher:Canadian Paediatric Society
Place of Publication:Montréal
Date of Publication:2009
Abstract:

Child care services in Quebec have undergone a major transformation since 1997, when the government adopted its new family policy. One of the linchpins of this innovative policy was the setting up of a network of fixed-fee services for all children aged five years and younger, irrespective of family income. The network was intended to address the issue of work-family balance and to provide children, no matter what the financial status of their parents, with a preschool environment that fosters their social, emotional and cognitive development, and prepares them for entry into the school system.
More than 10 years later, what benefits can we detect from this investment in early childhood education and care? First, we observe a sharp rise in the number of children in regulated child care. There is also evidence that this attendance is having beneficial effects on the behaviour and cognitive development of the children. These benefits are particularly evident among vulnerable children. Second, available and affordable child care accompanied by a generous parental leave program my have had an impact on Quebec’s demographic profile: compared with the other provinces, Quebec has had the largest increase in its birth rate of the past five years. Furthermore, families have greatly benefited from Quebec’s child care model: the increased availability of spaces has facilitated mothers’ attendance at an educational institution or return to work.

Language:English
Material Type:Article

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.07 CHILDREN/2009 quebec_early_childhood.pdf

 

Title:Kinship care review report
Corporate Author: Government of Alberta. Children and Youth Services
Subject:Children – child welfare system
Publisher:Government of Alberta. Children and Youth Services
Place of Publication:Edmonton
Date of Publication:2009
Abstract:

In February 2009, the Honourable Janis Tarchuk, Minister of Alberta Children and Youth Services, announced that the ministry was undertaking an internal review of Alberta’s Kinship Care Program to learn what is working well and what can be improved. At this time, Minister Tarchuk reaffirmed Alberta’s commitment to kinship care as a placement option that achieves positive outcomes for many vulnerable children and youth by placing them with extended family or other significant people in the child or youth’s life in a safe and nurturing environment.
This report provides an overview of the kinship care program in Alberta and considers evidence-based leading practice and cross-jurisdictional comparisons, highlighting what is working well and providing recommendations for continued improvement.

Language:English
Material Type:Report

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.07 CHILDREN/2009 kinship_report_2009.pdf

 

Title:We must do better: it’s time to make Alberta poverty-free.
Author(s):Gurnett, Jim|split|Kolkman, John|split|Moore-Kilgannon, Bill
Subject:Poverty – child poverty
Publisher:Edmonton Social Planning Council
Public Interest Alberta
Place of Publication:Edmonton
Date of Publication:2009
Language:English
Material Type:Report

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.07 CHILDREN/2009 November We Must Do Better.pdf

Title:Foster care review report
Corporate Author: Alberta Children’s Services
Subject:Children – child welfare system
Publisher:Alberta children’s Services
Place of Publication:Edmonton
Date of Publication:2008
Abstract:

In response to the death of a foster child in January 2007, Janis Tarchuk, Minister of Alberta Children’s Services, called for a review to examine the circumstances surrounding this tragic death, and to assess Alberta’s foster care practice and standards. This review was called under the authority of section 8(2) of the Government Organization Act.

Language:English
Material Type:Report

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.07 CHILDREN/2008 fostercarereview_report.pdf

Title:More than a free lunch: the effects of poverty on education outcomes.
Corporate Author: British Columbia Teachers’ Federation
Subject:Poverty – child poverty|split|Education – general
Publisher:British Columbia Teachers’ Federation
Place of Publication:Vancouver
Date of Publication:2007
Abstract:

Poverty and income inequality are major barriers to academic achievement. As daily mentors in the lives of their students, teachers experience the impact poverty has on the children in their care. The impact of poverty goes beyond material deprivation; it contributes to social isolation.
A fact sheet on the impact of poverty on education.

Language:English
Material Type:Fact Sheet

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.07 CHILDREN/2007 free_lunch.pdf

 

Title:Uniting for children 2005 forum: summary and evaluation report.
Corporate Author: Government of Alberta
Citation:Conference, May 17 and 18, 2005
Subject:Children – child welfare system
Publisher:Government of Alberta
Place of Publication:Edmonton
Date of Publication:2005
Abstract:

Alberta Children’s Services hosts a Children’s Forum every two years. The Uniting for Children Forum 2005 was successfully held on May 17 and 18, 2005, at the Edmonton Northlands Agricom with more than 1,200 delegates from across the province in attendance.
The forum focused on education and brought together parents, youth and service providers to share their experiences and expertise and explore new ways of working together. Participants were offered access to a range of tools, new knowledge, and resources to raise happy and healthy children. Throughout the forum, youth were actively involved in discussions about issues that affect them.

Language:English
 
Material Type:Report

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.07 CHILDREN/2005 uniting_for_children_2005.pdf