FACS facing $3-million deficit

Posted By Sun Media

Posted 2 months ago

WELLAND — Family and Children's Services Niagara has appealed the province for more funds as it faces a nearly $3-million deficit and its caseload continues to increase.

Children's aid societies in Ontario have started laying off staff and some could go bankrupt as they face shortfalls.

FACS Niagara is not considering layoffs at this point.

But FACS does have a $2.9-million to $3-million deficit with a $40-million budget, said Ann Godfre, director of development and public relations.

"I think it's a concern … 49 out of 51 (children's aid societies) are carrying deficits," she said. "And 35 or 36 — like us — have filed what's known as a Section 14, an appeal to the ministry."

That appeal, she said, is essentially saying the agencies don't agree with the province's funding allocations, as more dollars are needed to provide child protection services to communities.

Niagara has historically been underfunded compared to other agencies in cities such as Hamilton, she said. Considering the population of Niagara, Godfrey said FACS is already starting out with less — and the province must invest more.

"Our caseloads have been higher than they have been in a long time," she said. "For the size of the region, we should be getting the same level of funding and services."

The agency has 900 active cases, she said.

During these difficult economic times, the agency suspects the caseload will increase as families face job losses. The extra stress on families can create situations where there is more alcohol or drug abuse, family violence and situations in which parents are unable to properly care for thier children — a family crisis that requires intervention and support services of agencies such as FACS.

"Here in Niagara we are particularly concerned. Our area has been hit hard economically."

At the same time, agencies are dealing with deficits. The biggest operating expenses are for staff and child protection services, two places where cuts can't and shouldn't be made, said Godfrey.

As for other agencies in the province, Payukotayno James and Hudson Bay Family Services in northern Ontario has sent layoff notices to its 120 staff. The York Region children's aid society terminated 18 positions. Sixteen jobs might be eliminated by Kenora-Patricia Child and Family Services.

As well, the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies has reported that unless that office receives operating funds, it will close the week of Dec. 16.

"As an agency, we have looked at where we could trim," said Godfrey. "I think we are quite efficent."

Godfrey said there needs to be more consistency and clarity in the government's funding model.

Currently, funding is provided to agencies and then, if the caseload is higher than anticipated, the agencies can apply for contingency funding — but the criteria can be arbitary, she said. This funding model doesn't allow the agency to plan for its fiscal year or to plan for multiple years. The agency hopes to hear back about its Section 14 appliction within three weeks.

While the agency does host fundraisers, those events are to enrich programs for children — summer camps or helping to offset costs for students wanting to continue their education.

If FACs' appeal isn't supported by the government, Godfrey said the agency has another option, a judicial review. For now, the agency is in wait-and-see mode and has been trying to raise awareness about its plight by speaking to MPPs in the region and the media.