Children of the DPJ The FFARIQ meets Minister Lionel Carmant

Québec, July 3, 2019 - Geneviève Rioux, President of the Federation of Foster Families and Intermediate Resources of Quebec (FFARIQ), met this morning with the Minister for Health and Social Services, Dr. Lionel Carmant. Together, they discussed the follow-up to be given to the recommendations of the systemic investigation into the services provided to foster children in the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec regions of the Commission on Human Rights and Youth Rights (CDPDJ).

The FFARIQ welcomed this systemic investigation, launched in January 2017. More than two years later, the findings of the CDPDJ revealed the most worrying shortcomings in the field of youth protection that have affected a big number of children.

The discussion focused on the recruitment and retention of foster families as well as the support and training they need, while always keeping in mind the well-being and stability of the children entrusted to them.

"This first meeting was very constructive and rewarding. I reiterate to the Minister my willingness to continue the dialogue and to participate in the identification of durable solutions. These should not be limited to the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec regions, but should be applied throughout Quebec. The implementation of these solutions must also be supervised by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, "said Mrs. Rioux.

Mrs.Rioux was pleased to hear, following the filing of the systemic investigation, that the Government of Quebec will assume its responsibilities. "The 2500 members of the FFARIQ open their homes and hearts to children, they give them affection, encourage them, value them and give them confidence. These men and women are the voice of children and are there to express their daily needs. They need to be heard by the institutions. The FFARIQ will do everything possible to obtain the necessary support,” added the president.

About FFARIQ

The FFARIQ was born more than 45 years ago. It advocates for the rights and interests of childcare resources, supports them in their commitment to children, works to improve their working conditions and values the partnership between them and the institutions.

Since 2009, the FFARIQ has become an association of resources authorized to negotiate a group agreement, which was signed in August 2012. Its primary mission is therefore to represent hospitality resources, ensure the respect of the Group Agreement, train and inform resources, and promote their work to institutions and the general public.

The priority and fundamental value of the FFARIQ is the increased well-being of children placed in stable and committed reception resources.