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“The layering of these contracts is a major concern,” Richard said. “These contracts are given to subcontractors given to subcontractors — it’s really done to avoid any kind of responsibility.

“Obviously, I feel for Alex … but I do have a greater concern for the hundreds of other children in the system who are cared for in exactly the same way … The issue for me is that the youth who have the most significant needs end up being served by the least-qualified caregivers.”

Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux said contracted agencies should be the exception and not the rule.

“When we have to use them, we must do so only to get kids stabilized, so that they can grow up in a long-term family setting, hopefully with relatives or in a foster home,” Cadieux said. “Clearly, our contracting needs a complete overhaul. Subcontracting like this is just not appropriate.”

When asked if anyone within the ministry or the delegated aboriginal agency had faced any consequences for Alex’s death, she said no one individual was to blame.

“The lost opportunities and the (lack of) adherence to policies stretched over many years and many people,” Cadieux said. “It was not focused on any one agency or worker, there were a series of problems … This is a condemnation of the system as a whole not working and where we need to make broader changes and I’m committed to those.”

All of the 700 kids being cared for in contracted agencies have seen their social workers in the last three months, Cadieux said. She said social workers will make sure to see them every 90 days to ensure that they’re safe and sound and well-cared for. She said the ministry will take responsibility for criminal record checks for all caregivers, rather than entrusting that work to contracted agencies.