A Victoria-based non-profit which describes itself as helping families manage the challenges of separation, divorce, or transition of youth to a new family structure — is now restricting unvaccinated children to online services only..Family Services of Greater Victoria (FSGV) has been in operation for more than 40 years..In its 2019 annual report, the non-profit lists “autonomy” in its statement of values, saying it believes “people are responsible for making decisions that are right for them in their own lives.” The other five values listed are: diversity, inclusion, safety and well-being, responsibility, and respect..FSGV says the welfare of children is its top priority. The organization has mandated that all children ages five and older must show proof-of-vaccination against COVID-19 for specific services..The deadline for having received one injection was January 4..Children and adults who remain unvaccinated will have access to “telehealth services.”.“Service is not denied in here,” an FSGV employee — who did not disclose their name — told the Western Standard..“We do a lot of online work and have done so for a long time in this agency. They are very fortunate that they have a choice of online or in person.”.“We have high regard for safety in this office and I can’t say anything more than that,” said the employee, adding that the policy is implemented by the organization’s board of directors..Included in its “high regard for safety” is a mandatory mask policy for children ages four and up. The face covering must be worn at all times..“Our staff are fully vaccinated. We respectfully ask that our clients do their part in protecting our staff, clients and their families,” writes the board of directors on the FSGV website,.Reid Small is a BC-based reporter for the Western Standard.,rsmall@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/reidsmall
A Victoria-based non-profit which describes itself as helping families manage the challenges of separation, divorce, or transition of youth to a new family structure — is now restricting unvaccinated children to online services only..Family Services of Greater Victoria (FSGV) has been in operation for more than 40 years..In its 2019 annual report, the non-profit lists “autonomy” in its statement of values, saying it believes “people are responsible for making decisions that are right for them in their own lives.” The other five values listed are: diversity, inclusion, safety and well-being, responsibility, and respect..FSGV says the welfare of children is its top priority. The organization has mandated that all children ages five and older must show proof-of-vaccination against COVID-19 for specific services..The deadline for having received one injection was January 4..Children and adults who remain unvaccinated will have access to “telehealth services.”.“Service is not denied in here,” an FSGV employee — who did not disclose their name — told the Western Standard..“We do a lot of online work and have done so for a long time in this agency. They are very fortunate that they have a choice of online or in person.”.“We have high regard for safety in this office and I can’t say anything more than that,” said the employee, adding that the policy is implemented by the organization’s board of directors..Included in its “high regard for safety” is a mandatory mask policy for children ages four and up. The face covering must be worn at all times..“Our staff are fully vaccinated. We respectfully ask that our clients do their part in protecting our staff, clients and their families,” writes the board of directors on the FSGV website,.Reid Small is a BC-based reporter for the Western Standard.,rsmall@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/reidsmall
