Repatriation of Northerners from Southern Institutions

The Department has had a number of successes through repatriation, in the areas of both health and social services.

One specific initiative includes the introduction of a dialysis treatment program at Stanton Regional Hospital. There were five patients repatriated from southern facilities in 1996/97 who now receive treatment in Yellowknife.

Other repatriation successes include the return of eight mentally and physically challenged adults, not only to live in northern group homes, but to be introduced to Independent Assisted Living arrangements. Six clients have been successfully placed. However, two have had to return to their former southern placement, as northern caregivers were unable to respond and cope with their higher needs.

There are currently 38 mentally and physically challenged adults in southern institutions and community placements in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

Under Child Welfare, there were a total of nine children repatriated through a continuum of care. Initial case planning for short and long term clients has repatriation of all clients in southern facilities as the desired result. It should also be noted that children initially sent south for treatment may eventually be repatriated as adults.

There are no specific developments in the Child Welfare Program. However, the department is evaluating northern facilities to identify further repatriation opportunities. As of March 31, 1997, 28 children were in southern facilities.

The north will have to develop resources to deal with the category of individuals with higher needs before repatriation can proceed further. Northern staff must be trained to deal with these people, facilities will have to be renovated to higher security levels and community based services and supports will need to be developed. As a beginning, the department has developed a draft paper entitled Development of Northern Resources for Special Needs, dated April 17, 1998, in which is outlined a process to develop northern resources in this important area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.