August 4, 2006
Minister's Introduction to Legal Constraints on Disclosure of Information Following the Death of a Child in Care or a Child Known to the Ministry of Children and Family Development
On any given day, tens of thousands of children in British Columbia are receiving services through the Ministry of Children and Family Development. These services are wide-ranging. Some children are in foster care, some are in the youth justice system and some are medically fragile. In other cases, ministry staff are providing assistance to keep children safe in the context of their own homes, families and communities.
The death of any child is a tragedy. Our deepest sympathies are extended to families, friends and community members who have lost a loved one at a young age. When there are appearances of suspicious circumstances attached to such a death, media questions are predictable and understandable.
To assist the public and the media in understanding the law with respect to government disclosure of information, the Legal Statement has been developed by the Legal Services Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General.
It is important to understand the Ministry conducts its own reviews of all such deaths, to ensure compliance with standards, policy and the legislative mandate under the CFCSA. Subject to privacy laws, the review is made public as soon as possible – this is a commitment I have personally made.
While the public and media interest in these tragic circumstances is understandable, it is important that we all understand and respect the laws and processes that govern the disclosure of information in these matters.
Stanley B. Hagen
Minister
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