A FOLLOWUP opinion by Ray Ferris, my advocacy colleague, an experienced
former Ministry of Children social worker and author of 'The Art of Child
Protection." Contact the author to order a copy of his
book, rtferris@telus.net.
The Times Colonist story of
the foster parents trying to adopt a child is a classic example of conflict
between the different rights of children. Children’s rights are set out in the
Child Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA). Children’s best interests
are paramount and include the right to continuity of care and the right to kinship
contact. Priority should be given to foster placement with relatives. The Act
urges timely decision making for young children. Cultural preservation is
urged, especially for people of aboriginal origin.
No
individual right is paramount, but some rights become more important as time
passes and conflicts can occur. It is then that a balance between rights must
be sought, requiring good judgement. Unfortunately, good judgement seems to be
a scarce commodity in this ministry.
