The province announced that it will direct an additional $17.34 million per year to front-line workers in Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres' (SARC) member agencies and other organizations providing critical services to vulnerable adults and children.
With this announcement, government will begin to establish a consistent level of funding to organizations that deliver critical residential as well as direct daily care and in-home supports to adults with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health and addictions issues and children in need of protection.
Funding of $17.34 million will be directed to front-line employees in eligible agencies funded by the ministries of Social Services and Health, allowing the organizations they work for to recruit and retain qualified staff. This includes organizations that support adults with mental health and addictions issues; groups that support children in need of protection and their families; and organizations that serve people with intellectual disabilities.
The actual increase each worker will see will vary depending on his or her current position and wage. The increase is expected to range from $4,000 to $6,000 per year, targeted to the lowest-paid front-line workers.
"Employees working in SARC member agencies are integral in the lives of the individuals they support," SARC Executive Director Amy McNeil said. "We would like to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for this commitment, as this is a major step in the right direction in ensuring people with intellectual disabilities are supported by qualified professionals.
Eligible organizations will be asked to provide information on their current staff and wage levels, and to identify how they will direct the investment to their front-line workers. Money will be available after February 1, 2013, once the organization's plan is submitted to Social Services or Health as appropriate.
