Instant independence: Planning for crown wards

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore through a critical lens the ways in which independence planning for crown wards is reflected in recording documents and the extent to which such documentation suggests the nature of continued involvement with the youth in such planning processes. Data were gathered by examining planning documents used by Child Welfare agencies in Ontario for crown wards. To accommodate the evolving emergence of themes and conceptual patterns revealed in the data, a grounded theory approach and constant comparative method was used as detailed by Charmaz (2006). Independence planning involved crown wards in developing visitation plans with members of the family of origin, and included goal setting pertaining to the development of social skills and acquisition of educational qualifications and instrumental skills. The planning documents lacked specific behavioural examples, contextual understanding, specific examples of the efforts undertaken by CAS workers and caregivers to support goals, and examples of discussions between workers and crown wards. Planning documents generally reflected little involvement of the crown ward. Planning and OnLAC documents require modification so as to allow for and encourage qualitative information and greater input from the crown ward. Such modifications ought to be understood by Child Welfare management in terms of making planning processes more useful and beneficial to crown wards and CAS workers.