The birth of a baby should be the most joyous of occasions which, in a perfect world, would herald the beginning of a life filled with love, comfort and security.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and sometimes, through no fault of their own, the most vulnerable members of our community find themselves abused, neglected or abandoned by those entrusted with their care.
At those most difficult of times, a caring and responsible society must have in place a system by which vulnerable children can be cared for until their situation has been resolved.
In Chatham-Kent, the organization tasked with that most profound of responsibilities is LINCK Child, Youth and Family Supports and they are telling us that their system is broken.
We need to listen.
Formerly known as Children’s Aid, LINCK provides a wide variety of services to children, youths and their families across C-K and includes child protection and developmental service workers, as well as administrative staff.
Unfortunately, LINCK, like similar agencies across Ontario, is struggling due to reduced funding and layoffs.
The agency recently held an information picket in an attempt to inform the public of the situation and the........