QUEEN’S PARK – Paul Miller, the NDP’s critic for Poverty Reduction and the MPP for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, delivered a statement in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Wednesday calling for changes to Ontario’s foster care system.
“The foster care system in Hamilton, and Ontario needs an upgrade,” said Miller, pointing to the experience of the Child Welfare Political Action Committee (PAC) – a group made up of individuals who have been in foster care. Their experience, and their advocacy, highlight the need for changes to foster care in the province.
“Last week I met members of the Child Welfare PAC—this group is made up of former foster care children,” said Miller. “We had a good talk and I learned that most foster children aging out of care start off disadvantaged. Many experience low academic achievement, poverty, exposure to the criminal justice system, as well as poor health.”
Miller called on the Wynne Liberals to commit to tackling the challenges in foster care.
“Ontario’s foster care system doesn’t have the resources to guarantee that these children start on the right track,” said Miller. “There have been issues of overcrowding and underfunding for years. I have found that the Liberals have not provided the necessary funds or legislation to ensure that foster homes are all they can be for children. This government needs to commit more for Foster Kids.”
“The future of these children is at stake,” concluded Miller.