Huntington supportive of changes to CLBC

Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington is welcoming the provincial government's plan to improve Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) with a renewed mandate and a moderate boost in funding.

Huntington hopes the announcement marks the beginning of the end to the trauma faced by CLBC clients, their families and advocates.

"I have heard from many in South Delta who have been failed by the systemic problems at CLBC. But I see signs of improvement and I am pleased the government is moving to right a fundamental wrong.

"The government has a duty to care for its most vulnerable citizens."

Last year CLBC estimated that $65 million was needed to clear its backlog and reach nearly 3,000 people awaiting service. Earlier this month, Premier Christy Clark offered $40 million and committed to a slew of changes stemming from two internal reviews.

The reviews came on the heels of last spring's outrage over group home closures, a lack of consultation with families and shocking wait lists for basic services, said Huntington.

During the review, the minister responsible for CLBC was demoted, CEO Rick Mowles was terminated and Liberal MLAs publicly criticized the government's handling of the issue.

Huntington targets CLBC's "backward" corporate structure for its use of generous financial incentives at the management level - motivating senior officials to reduce a client's demands rather than finding better ways to meet needs.

"Along with funding, there needs to be a culture shift at CLBC: a renewed focus on clients and their families, plus a willingness to build a team-based, interagency approach to service delivery.

"We've reached the crisis point. I'm hopeful CLBC will rebuild and repair the broken trust with its clients and their families. CLBC must continue to adopt a client-focused approach to addressing concerns and supporting those who have been wronged in the past, including those affected by group home closures," Huntington said.

Clark's promises include: a greater role for families in planning for their loves ones, a greater focus on employment and training programs, a permanent appeal mechanism for those who feel they have received inadequate attention and care, and better continuity of service for CLBC clients once they turn 19.