FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BC Association for Community Living
DIVIDED AND COMPROMISED: 
Cabinet Changes Contradict Commitment to Community Living 

New Westminster, B.C.
June 24, 2008

The Premier's realignment of the cabinet will not provide more integrated services for children and youth with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families. In fact, the shuffle undermines the government’s commitment and vision to provide a seamless, life-long system of support for people with developmental disabilities. The British Columbia Association for Community Living (BCACL) is shocked and disappointed at the separation of the service delivery system for children with special needs and adults with developmental disabilities. 

The cabinet move is a betrayal of the efforts of families and community who have been working with government to implement a system that honours the vision of community inclusion for everyone. For years, the provincial government has agreed to work towards ensuring that supports for both children with special needs and adults with developmental disabilities would be delivered with a family-centered approach throughout their lifespan. The Campbell government has reneged on agreements made through several years of good faith community consultation. 

Further, despite myriad research reports and many “re-organizations”, child welfare/protection remains the driver of fundamental policy and practice for the Ministry of Children and Family Development. While that is critically important for children who need protection, it is unacceptable and unwelcome for families who are raising children with special needs. The move of all services for children and youth with special needs into the Ministry of Children and Family Development is a huge step backwards. 

“The chaos created by this cabinet shuffle will extend beyond internal government organization,” says BCACL President Rory Summers. “It will put families and children at risk who are now faced with navigating yet another transition. This is frightening for many families. I now ask the Premier, how will this will contribute to developing a more responsive and comprehensive system of support for children and youth with special needs?”