BC: Ministry of Children and Family Development
In 2015, the Representative for Children and Youth released Paige’s Story: Abuse,
Indifference and a Young Life Discarded. This report examines the life and death of Paige, an
Aboriginal young adult from British Columbia, who had involvement with the Ministry of
Children and Family Development (MCFD) from birth until she aged out of care and who died from a drug overdose at the age of 19 in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). The report cites the lack of transition planning for Paige to have been a contributing factor in her escalated drug use, a month after she left ministry care.
In response to Recommendation 1 from the Representative’s report, the Provincial Director of
Child Welfare Office reviewed all files and safety plans of children and youth in care or receiving reviewable services, who reside or frequent the DTES, for any immediate safety concerns or who may need protection under section 13 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA). This report documents the findings from this review.