Infant program cut is devastating
Times Colonist
October 8, 2009
By: Lynda Kimola, Infant development consultant, Victoria

Without the provincial adviser, the Infant Development Program of B.C. will cease to exist. The Ministry of Children and Family Development does not have the resources to maintain the quality of the current program without the provincial adviser.

The infant development program is an excellent service that provides information and support in timely manner to families whose children have special needs. The IDP is highly regarded by health-care professionals and academics, both provincially and internationally.

The IDP is a cost-effective program that provides service to families in their homes throughout the province, even the most rural areas.

Over the past 35 years, the provincial adviser has been instrumental in the development and ongoing success of the IDP. Currently, there are 53 programs with 194 consultants who provide direct service to 8,000 families annually. The provincial office is necessary to ensure consultants are well educated, family focused and well informed of current research and various therapies.

What is it that Children's Minister, Mary Polak doesn't like about providing front-line service to kids? Why destroy a cost-effective, highly regarded program that is available throughout the province to families, who desperately need support and information?

We are all painfully aware of the ministry's failures. Why add one more?