The wheels work slowly, and may make you frustrated and angry, but it is important that your files are gone over with care. Rushed reviews of files make for important details to be overlooked. Details that could be very important to your case/complaint. PANIC supports the complaints process in allowing extra time for this process.
Our experience in dealing with a large number of complaints, is that when it comes to this process LET THEM TAKE THE TIME. If your findings are urgent, ie needed for an upcoming court case let them know that fact from the start. If your complaint is not needed for a court case then please be comfortable with this needed time and let them know its ok.
PANIC can confirm that there has been a number of improvements with the complaints process overall however on going concerns remain that it does not have the power to change much. It also concerns us that common problems, such as poor communication between client and social worker remain the number one problem. We hope that the ministry will address these issues and improve its service to families and caregivers.
Families are now becoming much more informed and learning their rights. The ministry may be slow in improving its service commitments but PANIC is not slow on improving ours and we will continue to inform, educate and support our clients to insure changes happen sooner rather than later for the benefit of all this countries children.
The Complaints Process