Kenora and Rainy River FACS announce merger

News Release
Kenora/RR FACS

Family and Children’s Services of the District of Rainy River (FACS) and Kenora-Patricia Child and Family Services (KPCFS) have received Ministry approval in principle for their plan to amalgamate both agencies into one new organization effective April 1, 2011. The new agency, yet to be named, will serve children and families within the Kenora-Patricia and Rainy River Districts.
The amalgamation process was initiated by FACS as a result of funding shortfalls experienced by many children’s aid societies in Ontario. The purpose of the amalgamation is to create one sustainable organization within existing resources. The new agency will have a total combined budget of $17 million. It will continue to provide child welfare services throughout both districts, children’s mental health services in the Rainy River District and various other non-child welfare services that both agencies presently provide.
The amalgamation is expected to realize savings in administrative costs by streamlining accounting, human resources, payroll, information technology and other “back end functions.” While realizing cost efficiencies in administrative services, there will be no reduction in frontline services to clients or to frontline staff.
The next step in the process will see the development of project teams, which will involve staff from all levels of both agencies, as well as foster parents and community partners. This process will identify the unique strengths of each organization to build one resilient and sustainable service delivery model to provide quality children’s services throughout the Kenora-Patricia and Rainy River Districts.