Council of Parties Releases Third Public Report

The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children Restorative Inquiry Council of Parties has released its third public report today, Dec. 7.

In its final phase, the inquiry will work with partners to model and support restorative processes and different ways of working that can continue after the inquiry completes its mandate in March.

This includes supporting a human-centred, collaborative approach to services, with fewer barriers between systems and programs. It also includes developing integrative approaches within the care system and developing a restorative approach to responding to institutional abuse.

“One thing we have heard repeatedly from our partners in government and the community is that we can’t continue to work in isolation from each other,” said Tony Smith, co-chair of the Restorative Inquiry council and a former resident of the Home. “We must work together to place people’s needs first and give a stronger voice to those most affected by systems and policies, especially the children and families involved in the care system.”

The report highlights work from the inquiry’s learning and understanding phase, focusing on the three central issues: responses to institutionalized abuse, experiences of children and youth in care, and the impacts of systemic racism on African Nova Scotians.

“We are working hard and actively engaging with our partners in community, government, and public agencies as we prepare to plan and act together,” said council co-chair Pamela Williams, Chief Judge of the provincial and family courts.

“Building stronger, trusting relationships is critical if we want to make lasting changes for a better future together.”

Some of the planning and action work is underway, and other pieces will begin shortly. The inquiry will release a final report at the end of its mandate detailing ongoing work, commitments made or underway, and recommendations that have emerged throughout the process.

The third report is available online at http://restorativeinquiry.ca/media .

Source: Release