The Ministry of Children and Family Development has plans to restructure the delivery of its services in Penticton and Summerland, but it is not yet known how the changes will be made.
On Dec. 10, council received a letter from the ministry about the changes. Beginning on Jan. 2, all intake calls will be handled through the Penticton office at 250-770-2200.
The letter states that the changes are being made to increase accountability and provide more efficient service.
“We will continue to be available for consultations on situations that are being managed by our partners without requiring direct service through an open ministry file,” the letter says.
Mayor Janice Perrino said municipal council has many questions about the changes and would like to receive input from the ministry. “I don’t like the sound of the letter,” she said. “It doesn’t explain things very well.”
She said ministry staff will be invited to meet with council.
The ministry’s plans for the restructuring began in 2010.
Representatives from the Ministry of Children and Family Development could not be reached for comment.