Minister: Sunshine League Model ‘Unsustainable’
[Updated] Minister of Youth, Families and Sports Glenn Blakeney held a press conference this morning [Aug.30], and said Government has concluded that the Sunshine League’s “operating model is unsustainable.”
“Regrettably, despite considerable effort on the part of both Government and the Sunshine League, today I must inform the public that it is not deemed viable for the Government to assume operational responsibility that would allow the Sunshine League to continue as a 24-hr residential foster care facility,” said the Minister.
The Sunshine League plans to retain the name “The Sunshine League Children’s Home” and to continue to fund-raise and accept donations under that name which Minister Blakeney said “is of great concern to Government”
Minister Blakeney said, “Furthermore, it is also of concern to the Ministry that the Sunshine League Children’s Home could be in contravention of the Charities Act 1978 should they continue to solicit donations after they cease operating the Sunshine League as a foster care residential facility without the express approval of the Registrar General. In other words, they cannot continue to solicit or accept donations for a home that does not exist.”
Effective July 1st, the eight foster children that were in residence at the Sunshine League Children’s Home were placed either in private homes or with foster parents. Two teenagers were being accommodated on an emergency basis at the Sunshine League, and alternative arrangements are currently being made for the care of these two children.
In June 2011, the Sunshine League announced they were transitioning out of residential foster care, due to the “excessively high costs of running a 24-hour residential foster care programme.” They said they will retain the facility and use it for programmes that support the community’s youth – primarily those in the foster care system.
They said it costs the Sunshine League between $75,000 and $100,000 per child per year to operate a 24-hour facility. In the most recent budget the Government grant was reduced from $200,000 per year to $100,000 per year.
The Minister’s full statement is below:
Good Morning,
About 2 months ago, I indicated in a press statement that the Ministry of Youth, Families and Sports would strive to find a suitable resolution which would allow the continued operation of the Sunshine League Children’s Home as a residential foster care home for children, despite the Sunshine League’s declared intent to cease 24-hr residential care operations at the facility.
Since that time, Government has completed a review of the operational efficiency and financial status of the Sunshine League, and concluded that its operating model is unsustainable.
Government then assessed options for continuing the residential foster care services offered by the Sunshine League, including assessing the viability of Government taking over operation of the Sunshine League residential children’s home.
Regrettably, despite considerable effort on the part of both Government and the Sunshine League, today I must inform the public that it is not deemed viable for the Government to assume operational responsibility that would allow the Sunshine League to continue as a 24-hr residential foster care facility.
After careful examination, I offer the following reasons for our decision:
The Sunshine League Executive Board proposed that Government operate the facility on the Sunshine League’s behalf. To that end, Government considered a draft operating agreement proposed by the Sunshine League. However, there are legal impediments to Government operating a residential children’s home facility that it does not own.
Under the Children Act 1998, the Minister responsible for child and family services has the power to operate certain designated residential facilities that fall under the Residential Treatment Services programme.
At the same time, the Act sets out the process for registration of registered children’s homes other than those which come under the ownership of Government and for which the Ministry has responsibility.
Thus, if Government were to take over operation of the Sunshine League Children’s Home, there would be a conflict of interest as Government would be both operator and regulator, which would be contrary to the Act.
In order to overcome the legal impediments Government would either have to amend the Act to specifically designate the Sunshine League facility as a registered children’s home operated under the remit of the Ministry, or possibly contract with a third party to operate the home on behalf of Government.
With regard to the first option, any legislative amendment would have to be reversed in the event that Government ceased to operate the facility in the future. The second option would allow Government to legally register the facility without legislative amendment, but would not be economically viable. Consequently, neither of these options is feasible.
Additionally, the Sunshine League has declared its intent to retain the name “The Sunshine League Children’s Home” and to continue to fund-raise and accept donations under that name.
However, this is of great concern to Government as the Sunshine League has indicated that it would not be willing to commit funds derived from charitable donations towards the cost of Government operating the Sunshine League Children’s Home as a 24-hr foster care facility.
Moreover, it was made abundantly clear to us that the Sunshine League intends to continue accepting donations under “The Sunshine League Children’s Home” brand name, even after it ceases to operate as a 24-hr residential foster care facility.
Furthermore, it is also of concern to the Ministry that the Sunshine League Children’s Home could be in contravention of the Charities Act 1978 should they continue to solicit donations after they cease operating the Sunshine League as a foster care residential facility without the express approval of the Registrar General.
In other words, they cannot continue to solicit or accept donations for a home that does not exist.
Notwithstanding the decision of the Sunshine League Children’s Home to cease operating their 24-hr residential foster care facility, I wish to remind the public that Government continues to have the best interests of the children at heart, and has already taken proactive measures to place affected children in alternative foster care home environments.
Effective July 1st, the eight (8) foster children that were in residence at the Sunshine League Children’s Home were placed either in private homes or with foster parents.
However, in the interim period while efforts were being made to resolve the issue of the Sunshine League’s proposed closure, two (2) teenaged children were being accommodated on an emergency basis at the Sunshine League. Alternative arrangements are currently being made for the care of these two children.
I wish to conclude by stating that the Ministry remains committed to managing its foster care programme under the auspices of the Department of Child and Family Services in order to fulfil its statutory mandate in providing the care and protection that ensures the well-being of those children who may, from time to time, need such intervention and foster care placement.
Our staff at the Department of Child and Family Services as well as all of our valued foster care parents, are equally dedicated, compassionate and caring; and I take this opportunity to sincerely thank them all for their patience, sensitivity and selfless commitment to ensuring that wholesome foster care services are ultimately provided in the best interest of those Bermudian families with children in need of foster care.
Thank You.
Update: Interim President of The Sunshine League, Zakiya Johnson Lord, says: “It was misleading for the Minister to suggest that we could be in contravention of the Charities Act. As we stated in July, our focus is on meeting the needs of foster children in Bermuda and we have always been able to fundraise for purposes other than a 24-hour residential facility. We are responsible for a 24-hour residential facility until tomorrow.”
“Today we heard for the first time that the Government is unable to take over the running of a residential facility. We will, therefore, now work to identify the growing needs of Bermuda’s foster care children and develop initiatives that enhance the lives and development of the foster children.”
“These initiatives will require funding and we very much hope that our donors will continue to support them as we believe this is a cost-effective use of our donors money compared with the high-cost of running a 24-hour residential facility.”
Zakiya Johnson Lord adds: “As we made preparations to enter into an operational agreement with the Government, we submitted the necessary documents to the Registrar of Companies for a name change from The Sunshine League Children’s Home Ltd. to The Sunshine League. And we trust that this name change will be processed shortly.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and volunteers that have provided care and sacrificed their time for these children for the last 92 years. They, along with the children, are The Sunshine League. We look forward to the next development in our charity’s history and will share these with the public in due course.”
Bullsh!t……Sorry…I just had to say it.
So much for Grass Roots. All of these children are Black.
Um pissed off. I don’t even have to read his comments et al.
Now a “conflict” with …blah blah blah……
Out with the PLP…………………………..
Terry, you are full of it.
All of the kids have been placed in foster care and the government is footing the entire bill. Question is, if they aren’t doing residential care, why do they need to raise money?
Becayse Gover(0)ment cut them back.
Don’t you ask your neighbor for a drink or a bite to eat when your down and out.
Whats your explanantion for it if your so ‘curious’.
Your nothing more than a PLP sheep. Keep following and you will end up like Lybia et al……..ground attacks have already started…..
Um why are you upset? And as for their ethnic orgin they are NOT all black!
VERY sad!!!
The PLP government calling another entity ‘unsustainable ‘ ?
Pot calling kettle …. hello
@ $100,000 per kid, I would agree that figure is not sustainable.
I don’t quite understand how it costs this much as their are families of four that live on less than that per year.
My sediments exactly. 75 to 100k per child………….everyone reading that article should be raising their eyebrows at that. I know a woman who has four children and makes less than 100k per year and she supports all of them on her own. So how is it that Sunshine can boast those figures???
Because you have to pay staff, which is usually two workers at a time, three shifts per day, plus supervisors etc. Parents aren’t paid to raise their own children.
“However, this is of great concern to Government as the Sunshine League has indicated that it would not be willing to commit funds derived from charitable donations towards the cost of Government operating the Sunshine League Children’s Home as a 24-hr foster care facility.”
WTF??? Government don’t want to run the home, because the charity that they refuse to support won’t suppoet them….. (have the Union donate the funds)
I’m sure the Sunshine League can find better use of funds than dumping it into the Governments coffers….
Oh and
“Sunshine League Children’s Home could be in contravention of the Charities Act 1978″
If you don’t support us we’ll close you down….
The Pee el Pee administration is unsustainable but they don’t shut themselves down! A question to all parents with children at home: Does it cost you $100,000 to house, feed and clothe each one of your children? My aceboy has three children and I know for a fact that him and his wife are not bringing in $300k per year! Something smells like sh!t around here. PLoP! Flush!
People I know a little bit about their finances and I can say you cannot compare the finances of raising your kids at home versus having kids in an institution. For instance you need a minimum of 3 full time people to be able to cover the 24hours shift. This does not include admin, transportation, food, electricity and other fixed cost. Do the math!
Right on Andre. Our posts crossed but that cyber world.
A regular household has to cover transport, food, electricity, rent, insurance etc. The one or two adults in the house technically should cost $100k as well because they also need food and clothing. By Sunshine League’s costs, a household of five people should cost between $375k and $500k per year. Let’s say the two adults both work full time earning $50k per year, that still leaves a deficit of $275 to $400k per year. On Emoo today there is a 2 bed 2 bath townhouse for rent at $2k per month, and if we pay one foster care provider $52k per year that comes to $76k per year, leaving $461 per week to pay electricity for two people and buy food and bus passes for one person. Are you telling me dormitories are more expensive than townhouses?
There’s also a 3 bedroom house available for $5100 per month. Let’s go for four kids this time and three caregivers. Budget for four kids is $400k. Rent is $61200, three caregivers at $52k per year is $156k leaving $878 per week, per child for food, clothing, transport and electricity for all. Let’s go for the $75k per child per year estimate. Budget is $300k, rent is $61200, salary is $156k. This leaves $398 per child per week. Math done. Something very wrong is going on here, and it could be my math. If it really did cost $400 per week to raise a child then we would be seeing a lot less of them around.
This isn’t about how much does it cost to raise a child in Bermuda. As a parent yes you can survive on a paycheck that is less then $75K a year… but you are sacrificing somethings for yourself, as a parent you are going without and there are even some situations where your children are going without.
Now place other peoples children in the equation where the expectation is that they will be cared for better then the home where they just came from. Do you really think it is fair to pay a worker &50000 a year to deal with disrespect, behavioural problems, verbal abuse and some from other peoples children?
“Do you really think it is fair to pay a worker &50000 a year to deal with disrespect, behavioural problems, verbal abuse and some from other peoples children?”
The police deal with this everyday, as do teachers.
Teachers make upwards of 80k per year plus vacations and benefits. When police are abused they can resort to physical restraint and incarcerate the individual. Residential care officers are not allowed to touch the children when being verbally attacked or disrespected, otherwise they will be in the unemployment line. So there are major differences.
OK thats where i have to correct you. So many people have this assumption that all children in foster homes are rude. Not always the case. sometimes the care takers are the ones showing disrespect. Even though they are the adults not all of them act this way.
The next part is for everyone that false for this crap. From experience i know the actual figure are not this high. They’ve been boosted to justify governments actions.
THose children act that way because that is all they know – learnt from the family home or the streets or school. They need direction, nurturing, love, guidance, encouragement and JESUS! Sometimes these children are very neglected not physically but emotionally – see it daily on the streets, buses, restaurants – but when these parents are hanging out – you wouldn’t think they had children or even thought about them….
I remember someone speaking for the Government one time – encouraging females to have more baby’s – here you go – they have and there is no where to put or look after them – unless of course you think the facilty down in St. David’s is the solution.
There are usually 2 adults at a time for three shifts. That’s six front line workers workers per day, i.e., six salaries. In addition to the front line workers there could be two house supervisors, one for the day shift and one for the evening shift, therefore we are up to eight salaries. There would also be an executive director and an administrative assistant, so now we have 10 salaries. There is also the need for part time/relief workers to cover other shifts. Since it is a 24hr facility, workers that work on public holidays also get holiday pay. So looking at staffing alone, we are talking about major costs. Even with your $50k pay, you are still looking at $500k for salaries for the full time workers. Let alone the part time workers, holiday pay, and all the other expenses that are incurred.
This is why it is not sustainable.
Makes you wonder how single parents survive, doesn’t it? Maybe they should take notes on how a regular household is run, or even better hire three single mothers to run the whole place. If they do have all that staff, it is obviously unnecessarily topheavy with staff. Sounds like the gravy train sounded its whistle an all got aboard and now the gravy train has run out of steam.
In a household there would be one or two parents and sometimes extended family to take care of the children. And true there are many single mothers out there doing their best with more than one child. But in a residential care facility where there can be upwards of 10 children, having one worker is not feasible. It can be dangerous for the children and staff. I’m sure that Sunshine League looked as best they could to reduce costs without putting workers or the children in jeopardy. It’s unfortunate that residential care is so expensive and we are in an economic mess. My hope is that the children are placed in homes that will help them thrive.
In addition, the standard of care expected in a residential facility is far higher and more stringently scrutinized than in a private home.
What is sad is that we pay out for consultants and civil servants up the wazoo, but care for our children, who are already emotionally vulnerable being foster children, is considered “unsustainable.” How much do we pay to support an inmate at Westgate per year? I guess that’s preferable, cos their budget was one of the very few that wasn’t cut.
The Sunshine League is an accredited facility, which means it is required to have a minimum of two staff members on at all times, which is six different people in one day, calculate how much your office pays six staff members in a day…Yes it is a home, but it is also a form of a business with employees. To compare it to what it costs parents to raise a child is illogical. The staff at Sunshine League are not taking home major salaries either. It all adds up…stop looking at it as a replica of the family structure. The home is a facility run with a set of rules, regulations, guidelines, policies and prodecures.
There are families raising children on less than one hundred thousand dollars a year, but those parents are not required to have any special qualifications to do that. They don’t have to be interviewed and meet the requirements of the job description before being allowed to have children. (although many of them should)
If the home is required to have 6 employees per day at $50k per year, that is alread $300k, add a Director, possibly another $100k. We are already at $400k…and there are more than six staff members. Households with parents don’t have staff…Maybe you should look into some of the Government run facilities and what it costs per child per year there…
I understand there are many expenses but 100k per child seems a little steep.
There has to be more cost effective ways of running the facility. Maybe they should start doing some new math. There is always a way to cut operating costs in any business or home.
I admit I am not familiar enough with the facility and their costs to make such a judgment, but in my professional experience in aiding business to cut costs, clients are surprised to see just how much can be taken off the top without jeopardizing the quality of their product, service, or the well being of their staff.
Yes mate…I can smell it also ….the P.L.P. are so full it…
Good points but most parents do the cleaning, shopping et al. Basically run like a Hotel and a School and 24/7 support.
Too involved for some who post here.
You have 12+ children with food, memdical needs et al 24/7 and clean up behind them……
This place has been running all these years, struggling at times and all of a sudden when the check book is running low and were in dept $1BILLION and still borrowing you guys still want to shoot the messenger.
Fire away……………….yah all gonna hit the ground at some stage.
It is clearly unfortunate that such a valuable institution is closing its doors but it is clear from the Minister’s comments that something has gone awry. I am sure the public is interested in hearing the facts of the situation.
As is typical, many posters will blame the PLP but we must be realistic about the cost of running the home. The costs will be more than a standard household if only because the parents (workers) must be paid, as opposed to hard working parents that work during the day but are ‘free’ at night.
I trust that the building will not stand empty because it will quickly fall into disrepair and used for nefarious purposes which would be a negative for the entire community. Is there an opportunity for it to be used for emergency or other housing since we hear of so many people without housing?
Only time will tell but it would be interesting to hear the other side.
Well….maybe “Vote For You” it won’t turn into another Alaska Hall that has been paid for by the ones that are now being denied their future.
Vote for you?
Your mad.
But eh!!!! Sheep eat, graze and sheet………………………… Then get eaten…..
The cost per child is so high because the home is not utilized properly. It could house many more children without a dramatic increase in cost. There are hundreds of children on this island who should be taken out of neglected and abusive homes and put some place where they are fed and clothed and fell safe instead of where they are living now. Sorr but the statement that continuing to raise funds is “of great concern to this Government makes me want to puke”.. The state of Bermuda rests squarely on the shoulders of this overpaid underworked Government and should be a great concern to the people of Bermuda and in particular the sheeple who vote them in….incompentent…the entire lot….how much did they all spend to go to Washington for the postponed MLK event…shhh…keep that quiet…
Navin please…….Your talking Plantation…..silly man….
“they all” paid for themselves. But you’ll never know because your beloved Opposition haven’t asked a Parliamentary Question about travel since Dr. Brown left. They led you to believe that all travel was bad and left you at the altar still holding on for hope. They’ve moved on but you haven’t. too bad.
I wish the bloody PLP would move on.
hhhmmmmm uummm tough to ask a Parliamentary question when not in session due to summer “Recess”…and the only thing I am opposed to is this useless Government…….sorry but I never heard that “they all” paid for themselves…how totally unpolitician like to pay for something yourself.
Sigh. This Administration came in in November 2010. The House sat for November and December 2010. It then sat from February through April. They resumed from May through July. In all that time not one Parliamentary Question on travel. You think that’s coincidence? Even the tour de force from the Bahamas to Royal Wwedding to RIMS in California never made the ticker, never mind a question. Before you spout, check your facts. This Premier has travelled more than her predecessor but you’d never know it because your team realizes it didn’t work with the last guy and so its unlikely to work with this lady.
Seems to me I remember that parliamentary questions about travel and a few other things Bermudians wanted to know were never, or incompletely answered. And the response to some questions was “that’s none of your business” or something similarly chastising. Difficult to keep doing something you get beaten for, although some of the OBA still seem to be raising difficult point – and getting vilified for it
sigh…could they ask a question about the cost of travel to the MLK unveiling if not in session…it has already been established that this government makes more useless trips than most of your electorate could imagine..the recent Neletha Butterfield and party trip to Grenada spings to mind…I was not referring to Ms. Cox if you read my post before your spout off….so lets ask the question of you since you seem to be in the know…How many MP’s went to Washington last weekend and who paid for it? and they/you close the Sunshine League..all should be ashamed of themselves for what they have done to Bermuda but as you probably know Politicians are incapable of feeling shame….
Without a hint of irony the PLP (and their idiot supporters) question the financial operations of another entity.
You couldn’t make this sh*t up.
The BIU is in contravention of the Trade Unions act, and has been for more than 10 years now, yet they still raise money from all of their members without any fear whatsoever of the government shutting them down.
I wonder if the government will tell us how much they are paying the foster parents.
Want to know – become one it is very rewarding both for those who openly take these children in and care for them lovingly and encourage the children. So many have adopted their foster children and these children have been to college, others are excelling in school, in sports. You can make a difference in a child’s life – foster one and let us know later on how the child made a difference in your life. It is not about how much you get paid, it is all about the difference in a touched life – there is never enuf pay for that.
A poor and unbelievable excuse regarding the absent accounts. Could only be believed by people of below average intelligence – BIU members and PLP voters perhaps?
I member when I used to collect bottles and putt dem in my crocus bag an walk wiff my seven pond dogs round by de sunshine league an see dem bies . Vell dah all grown up now and got good jobs ,an some of um even own dah own business .You think them bies would try save dee place , no suh and afta all dat woman Ms.King went shrew to keep dem critters feet warm in Conrads desert boots . Shame on dem all . An wot else, every Sunday she sent um roun Fubla’s church for a blessin .She knew day took de collection money an buy glass candy from Paramount and nuts from Mr. Anon roun A’n'Js .But Ms.King been dead now a long time I think an dere’s nobody goin to take her place .
Good point – I know of some good friends that benefitted from the Sunshine League. I remain hopeful tha tsome solution will be found. This is definitely not a political problem and I hope the community will rally to suppor the Sunshine League.
I remamber Miss Keeeeng wery vall. Lived darn Shelley Bay ven she vern’t verkin at de League. Derz ver de dayz!
You could e’en go op 42nd shtreet to St Monica’s fer Sunday night serwice wiff no problem in dem dayz.
A bit ironic how the first time the PLP government ever mentions ‘economic sustainability’ is when it’s in connection with looking after disadvantaged children.
‘Economic sustainability’ didn’t seem the affect the music festival for years. Or the Feel the Love Festival. Or the $15m spent on cricket teams and soccer teams.
Totally Agree – although i do feel sport is important to help keep kids out of trouble, I also feel that perhaps giving them a roof over their head with stability is far more important than giving money to these areas!
Bermuda’s issues come from social problems – why are we turning our back on the most at risk???
Yep, keep kids out of trouble somehow, agreed. But $15m? Could the same kids have been kept out of trouble for $150,000? How much money do you need to set up a game of football?
Kids being in trouble – falls back in the lap of the parents but with so many parents not being there – it falls back into the lap of the family but being so many families are apart – falls back into the hands of the community – it takes a VILLAGE… government is so high it can’t see where it came from – the VIllage and all around. They need to be reminded over and over again….. rememver the saying “Make the X Count” or someting like that…. Election is called – “X them out”
It would be interesting to see the financials of the SL.
Opening them up might allow some people to step in with help that could save them money.
Here is the pledge that our Bermuda government put towards Cricket for preparation of the World Cup.Cash machine.
Quoted from the Bermuda Sun:
“Government plans on putting in $11 million to help take Bermuda cricket to a world class level
2005/06 $1.9 million
2006/07 $3.0 million
2007/08 $2.1 million
2008/09 $2.0 million
$2009/10 $2.0 million
It’s a f****ng shame that all of this money has been budgeted toward Cricket for Wolrd Cup when our gov cannot maintain education system and ensure that there are several teachers to educate our youth. Where is the Government’s priorities and sensibility???? This is pure and COMPLETE bulls**t!
STOP GIVING OUT HAND OUTs AND GIVE A HAND UP! So tired of this anarchy! and enough with the tired excuses…your veil is Ridiculously transparent!
Clap clap clap clap! All I see is this government taking from the children, our future. How can they they take funds away from a children’s home? They took resources and funds away from the education system already! It’s so disgusting! They need to consider decreasing the budget from the correction’s department and providing more for children’s homes/education! This is definitely a case of the innocent suffering from the “charged” guilty!! And those prisoners have a nerve of trying to sell arts and crafts to deposit the proceeds into their own account?!?! Those criminals won’t be getting my money. I always donate towards children’s charities , you know the ones that assist the young ones that are innocent and cannot provide for themselves!!! Crooked government!!
I agree – but they need to give something back from their salary’s, stop signing those contracts with other countries – which more than likely never be used – as most times there is only one driver in the GP cars, they need to down size them – GP 2 thru ….. If they want a think tank on how government can downsize – ask us, we always have the answers!!
Oh THANK YOU, @ Vix! Didn’t know the figures, but know we spend outrageously on some things, and have cut back on just about everything that aids the poor, the disadvantaged and the vulnerable. Teen Services is another case in point. The paraprofessionals in the schools is another too. I feel for the teachers who will have to deal with the children those paras helped. Having been a substitute teacher a time or two, I recognize how difficult it is to try and teach with such disruptive students (who can’t really help themselves), and that was with the paras there. What will happen now they have been axed?
Our children are the ones who will be taking care of us as we get older. What will happen to us if they demonstrate the lack of compassion and empathy that has been afforded them?
I think the Home Office is waiting until the seaweed hits the beach.
It will be too late then.
Wine is cheap in reality but vineyards cost a bit to maintain to keep the flow.