BC Representative for Children and Youth – Critical Injuries and Deaths: RCY Reviews and Investigations
November 12, 2009
Representative’s Report
Purpose
The purpose of the Representative for Children and Youth’s reviews and investigations of child deaths and critical injuries is to identify and thoughtfully analyze issues – particularly in service delivery. The intent is to help prevent similar deaths or injuries in the future, and to inform improvements to services.Independently reviewing, investigating and reporting out on these deaths and critical injuries are essential elements of public accountability and promoting public confidence in the child welfare system. These reviews and investigations are done in a timely, fair, respectful and thorough manner.
Reporting Period: June 1, 2009 – September 30, 2009*
During this reporting period, 49 critical injuries and 34 deaths of B.C. children and youth who were in care or receiving reviewable services within the previous year were reported to the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth (RCY).
These have all undergone an initial screening by the Representative and staff to determine whether an RCY Review (defined on page 6) is necessary. A summary of these initial screenings is on the following pages.
*This information is based on reports received by the RCY office at the time of this update.
These numbers may change if additional reports of critical injuries or deaths which occurred in this reporting period are subsequently received by the RCY, or if additional information is received.
