Kim Adair-MacPherson is the auditor general of New Brunswick. (Submitted/Office of the Auditor General)
The provincial auditor general says group home placements in New Brunswick could have disastrous consequences.
In her report Tuesday, Kim MacPherson told the standing committee that the Department of Social Development does not effectively manage the placement or care of children in group homes and specialized placements, and says there are weaknesses in the system.
“These weaknesses could result in safety risks to the children, poor quality of care lack of available beds and services, unsuccessful outcomes for the children and poor value for taxpayer dollars,” stated MacPherson.
The auditor general also reiterated some of the issues that could or may well have already occurred.
“It is important to mention that poor management of care for these children can have disastrous consequences, contributing to suicide attempts, addictions, long-term mental health challenges and homelessness,” said MacPherson.
The issue of the ages of children being placed in group homes was also something she touched upon in her report.
“In 2014, there were 19 children between the ages of six and 10 in group homes, and now, five years later, we have 37 children in that age group. There are also three between the ages of three and five in group homes. I find that a troubling trend,” stated MacPherson.
