BC FamilyNet is alarmed that CLBC could be entertaining the closure of any group homes when it has no plan to address the needs of thousands who are waitlisted indefinitely, due to a shortage of residential and other resources. Further, CLBC’s current residential options review cannot achieve the stated goal of promoting choice until CLBC can offer an appropriate range of residential options to all individuals in their own communities. BC FamilyNet is deeply concerned that vision is being replaced by expediency, with service delivery changes driven by cost-cutting, potentially risking the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable adults.

BC FamilyNet is an independent, all-volunteer provincial network of families and self-advocates, which works to protect and enhance Community Living supports and services for children and youths with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families. This is achieved in part through successful community inclusion and greater public understanding of their contributions as valued citizens.

In October, BC FamilyNet met with Minister Christensen to discuss families’ concerns, as outlined in Questions re CLBC’s Residential Options Review (available at www.bcfamilynet.org.) Our members remain concerned that this major review lacks adequate safeguards to ensure meaningful and informed choices, so that individuals are being relocated from group homes to more informal and affordable settings because that is truly their desire, because such a move is in their own best interests, and that in doing so they fully understand the risks and implications.

Media reports about group home closures follow repeated verbal assurances that CLBC has no plans to close group homes in ongoing restructuring. CLBC’s Service Plan however sets targets to reduce group home use to cut costs, by encouraging hundreds of current residents to “choose” cheaper alternatives. CLBC also consistently cites group homes as less desirable than more informal residential models, a view that contrasts with published studies and the values of our community. Families and individuals support well-managed, properly staffed group homes as a vital option in community living. For many adults, they provide the most appropriate and cost-effective balance of community inclusion, support and safety.

Confidence in the process and forces shaping ongoing reforms are essential to their success, and yet trust and confidence in CLBC continue to erode. BC FamilyNet urges Minister Christensen to act immediately to resolve these contradictions and to clearly commit to group homes as the preferred residential model for many adults. We further call on the Minister to provide adequate resources and safeguards to ensure meaningful, informed choice for all individuals who require CLBC’s residential supports. We also again urge CLBC to enhance transparency in communicating with our community about ongoing changes. 

Anita Dadson, President,
BC FamilyNet Society

ACT posts news reports and other sources on this website for the information of our readers only. ACT neither endorses nor condemns this material. We urge readers to consider this information with a critical eye and to form their own opinions about its validity or applicability to their situation.