After misinforming a former youth in care, the Ministry of Children and Family Development has rejected three recommendations from the BC Ombudsperson.
In a new report, the ombudsperson details how a former youth in care was misinformed on her eligibility for post-secondary supports.
After being told that she didn’t have access to those government supports, the ombudsperson says the youth faced significant financial impacts.
That led to the ombudsperson making several recommendations to the ministry, one of which was to compensate the youth, which the ministry rejected.
As well, the ministry has refused to conduct an audit to determine if any similar cases have occurred.
According to the ombudsperson, the ministry cited unreliable record keeping as a barrier to that audit.
However, the ministry has agreed to recommendations on ensuring that staff are aware of permanency plan impacts, and their obligation to provide youth with legal advice.
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