‘It’s frustrating’: Expert says decades of reports haven’t improved N.L. child protection

Ken Barter, a retired professor of social work at Memorial University, has been a leading expert on child protection in Newfoundland and Labrador for decades. As the former chair of child protection for the school of social work from 1998 until 2003, Barter has seen the same issues arise repeatedly in reports and inquiries into child welfare in the province.

Barter recently expressed his frustration with the child and youth advocate’s decision to accept the premier’s request for a review related to a high-profile sexual exploitation case. He believes that the advocate’s review will not uncover anything new that hasn’t already been flagged in previous reports, such as the Hughes Inquiry into the abuse at Mount Cashel or the report on the murder of baby Zachary Turner in 2003.

According to Barter, the problems in the child protection system revolve around the lack of communication, collaboration, and resources. He points to the lack of progress in implementing recommendations from previous reports as evidence that the same issues continue to plague the system.

Barter highlighted a 2016 report by former child and youth advocate Carol Chafe, titled “A Stolen Life,” which criticized the lack of progress in the child protection system despite numerous recommendations. Barter believes that the public must demand better outcomes for children and youth in the system and that the government needs to listen to the frontline workers, parents, and children who interact with the system daily.

While the Child, Seniors, and Social Development department disputes Barter’s claim that no improvements have been made, Barter believes that the system needs a fundamental overhaul. He suggests that governments gather feedback from those interacting with the system to understand what is needed to improve their situations.

Barter envisions a system where social workers have the time to dedicate to prevention rather than protection, supporting families proactively to prevent children from being removed from their homes. He advocates for more investment in community and family resource centers to provide support and assistance to families in need.

In conclusion, Ken Barter believes that the child protection system in Newfoundland and Labrador requires significant investment and a shift towards proactive support for families. He hopes that the government will listen to the voices of those on the frontline and make the necessary changes to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth in the province.