told the House of Assembly<\/a> today that stakeholder consultation had already begun, and a training course would be provided for those interested.<\/p>\nShe said: \u201cTo assist us in reviewing the litigation guardian service and any improvements that can be made, two highly experienced court professionals will be working with us over the next nine months.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey will be supporting Bermuda to determine the model that works for us, taking into account the experiences of other jurisdictions. Their role is supportive and advisory.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Furbert said the cost for the professionals would be covered by the FCO, and they would deliver a six-month training programme on litigation guardian service.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe training will be open to all professionals, including the litigation guardians themselves of course, litigation counsel, members of the judiciary and social workers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not an exclusive list and there are some key individuals who will also benefit from being involved in this programme.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Furbert added that work to replace the Child Care Placement Board with a Children\u2019s Commission \u2013 who would advocate for children in care \u2013 was ongoing with legislation expected to come to the House this year.<\/p>\n
An independent living programme to help those who \u201cage out\u201d of Government care at 18 is also still in the works, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe programme will provide stable housing and intensive support and guidance to assist these young persons in developing the life skills necessary to become successful and productive citizens,\u201d Ms Furbert said.<\/p>\n
The programme will work in collaboration with workforce development to ensure that participants engage with career development officers.<\/p>\n
Ms Furbert said the Department of Child and Family Services was also working with the Ministry of Public works to establish a home for young men in the programme, while the Haven has been selected to host female participants.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder a memorandum of understanding, the upper level of its bay view property will be dedicated for use by the independent living programme,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be professional staff \u2013 independent living coordinators \u2013 and support staff engaged to implement the programme.<\/p>\n
\u201cStaff will come on-board trained in working with young persons with complex needs and will be equipped to deliver programming in accordance with best practice standards on youth independent living services.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving staff who understand trauma informed, strength based service delivery and the performance quality improvement process will ensure a seamless and successful implementation of a quality programme.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the programme was originally hoped to begin in June, the launch date was pushed back to September because of the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
Ms Furbert said that efforts for Bermuda to be included under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities has continued \u2013 but more work must be done before Bermuda is compliant with the convention.<\/p>\n
She said that technical officers had carried out a review of the convention to determine what steps must still be taken and identify areas where Bermuda was non-compliant.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt should be noted that compliance is island-wide and not limited to Government Departments and services,\u201d the Minister said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe good news is that Bermuda is compliant in many areas but there is still much work to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Responding to questions, Ms Furbert said one area that needs to be improved is employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother area is social protection programmes to reduce poverty, particularly with women with disabilities,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Ms Furbert added that work on a Seniors Strategy was ongoing, as were efforts to support the island\u2019s homeless residents.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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