New Brunswick’s minister responsible for children in provincial care is taking a hard look at how to protect vulnerable youth from human trafficking. Social Development Minister Cindy Miles is responding directly to recent reports from CBC News indicating that traffickers actively target youth living in government care.

As minister, Miles acts as the legal parent to more than 1,000 children and youth placed in government care for their safety. She took on this responsibility nearly two years ago and is now questioning if current standards go far enough.

“We know this is serious, and we know that we cannot just be satisfied because standards and supports are in place,” Miles said. “We need to ask whether or not the current approach that we have right now is doing enough to protect young people. And I am not afraid to ask that question.”

The Risk in Group Homes

Service providers identify youth living in group homes as particularly vulnerable to human trafficking. To combat this risk, Miles prioritizes keeping young people in family settings like kinship care or foster care whenever possible.

“Group homes were always meant to be temporary,” Miles said. “They were not meant to be a long term solution.”

The province is seeing a steady rise in kinship care, which places youth with someone they already know and trust. In September of last year, 275 children lived with kin. By June, that number grew to 332. Foster home placements fluctuate but sat at 554 in June. Meanwhile, the number of children in group homes remains steady at just over 140.

When concerns arise about a youth in a group home, staff must file an incident report. Miles ensures staff follow supervision standards strictly while the department explores better community living arrangements.

A History of Advocacy

Miles brings a background in trafficking prevention to her role. Before her election, she helped create a five year prevention strategy with Partners for Youth. She understands the realities of human trafficking in New Brunswick and ensures the child welfare system adapts to these threats.

Earlier this year, legislators convened the social policy committee to study gaps in the child welfare system. This review followed a child and youth advocate report concerning the death of a boy formerly in government care.

“I take my role as the parent in Social Development so seriously,” Miles said. “As a department, we want every single young person to know that they are valued, respected, and that they have a safe place to turn to when they do feel that they are being exploited.”

If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 833 900 1010. The service is available across Canada 24 hours a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New Brunswick government doing to protect youth in care from trafficking?

Social Development Minister Cindy Miles is reviewing current approaches to ensure they adequately protect young people. The department is focusing on moving youth out of group homes and into family based settings like kinship or foster care.

Why are group homes a concern?

Service providers note that youth living in group homes face a higher risk of being targeted by human traffickers. The province intends for group homes to serve only as temporary solutions.

What is kinship care?

Kinship care involves placing a child or youth with someone they already have a close relationship with, rather than a traditional foster family or group home. The use of kinship care in New Brunswick is currently rising.

Where can I report suspected human trafficking?

You can call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 833 900 1010. It is available 24 hours a day nationwide.