We have previously written about the federal government’s recent attempts to address longstanding issues with how child protection is handled across the country and the adverse impacts that have been felt by Canada’s First Nations. Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nation, Inuit, and Metis children, youth and families, received royal assent in 2019 and contained… Continue reading First Nation Seeks Immediate Control Over Child Protection Matters
Category: Child Welfare
Do Psychological Evaluations in Custody Matters Do More Harm Than Good?
This is the question being asked by a number of critics of the current practice across Canada to have psychologists assess the children and parents involved in a custody dispute. Some say that this practice, rather than shedding important light on matters pertinent to the court’s decision to award custody, can actually be detrimental to… Continue reading Do Psychological Evaluations in Custody Matters Do More Harm Than Good?
Human Rights Tribunal Orders Ottawa to Compensate First Nations Children Mistreated by Child Welfare System
A recent decision by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) has ordered that the Canadian government must pay $40,000 to each child who was removed from their on-reserve home, for any reason, after January 1, 2006. In some cases, parents and/or grandparents of children will also be compensated. The Terms of the Order The CHRT… Continue reading Human Rights Tribunal Orders Ottawa to Compensate First Nations Children Mistreated by Child Welfare System
Ex Parte Apprehensions of Children
It is an unfortunate reality that in our society there are times when it becomes necessary for government agencies to intervene with families and, for their protection, remove children from the custody of their parents. In Alberta, such intervention is governed by through the Child Youth & Family Enhancement Act (the “CYFEA”). Under section 19 of this… Continue reading Ex Parte Apprehensions of Children
Alcohol, Parenting, and the Views of the Child
In a recent case out of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta, an Order was granted prohibiting the father from consuming alcohol of any quantities during his parenting time. This is not an uncommon provision for the Court to grant; in fact it often arises when there are concerns regarding any parent’s alcohol consumption. … Continue reading Alcohol, Parenting, and the Views of the Child