Child welfare staff stressed out: advocate

The acting children's advocate in Manitoba says high staff turnover is adding to disarray in the province's child-welfare system.

Bonnie Kocsis told a legislative committee Friday that the change in staff has led to some children having to bond with several different case workers in a short period of time.

Kocsis added that staff are stressed out because of rising case loads and many have left to find other work.

The remarks are the first from Kocsis since she warned a legislative committee in a private document that child welfare in Manitoba is in a state of "chaos."

She noted the number of children in government care has jumped by 2,000 in five years.

"It is clear, however, that this increase in numbers puts additional strain on workers charged with one of the most stressful, demanding jobs in our community," Kocsis said.

She added that her office also needs more resources.

The province said it has provided more funding for child welfare services.