The provincial government has introduced new child welfare legislation designed to protect the well-being of children, youth and families.
Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch said the proposed act will help modernize portions of the 40-year-old Family Services Act.
“This is a very important milestone for New Brunswick since until now we were the only jurisdiction in Canada that did not have stand alone legislation for child welfare related issues.”
Fitch noted the overall approach would become child-centred rather than parent-centred.
The legislation stems from a child protection system review conducted by George Savoury over three years ago.
“It enables the framework for a variety of family matters in New Brunswick including determining parentage, adoptions, child protection, adult protection and provisions of social services to children and adults,” added Fitch.
Fitch said it recognizes how early detection and intervention is critical in matters where the well-being of a child or youth may be at risk.
Highlights of the act include:
- It recognizes the importance of the child or youth’s connection to their family, culture, language, religion, faith or spiritual beliefs and community, especially for Indigenous children and youth.
- It includes a priority of placement that recognizes the importance of family, kin relationships and community to a child or youth who is not living in the parental home due to protection concerns.
- It aims to decrease formality and increase flexibility for court processes.
- It improves decision-making authority for relatives (kin) who are caring for a child or youth.
- It intends to improve information-sharing between the department and its various partners.
- It is intended to be progressive, clear and easy to read and understand.
- It aligns the definitions for “child” and “youth” with those in the Child Youth and Senior Advocate Act.
- It also expands on provisions to permit the minister to intervene when a child or youth may be at substantial risk of harm.
The legislation includes a review in five years and every seven years thereafter to bring forward any necessary changes.
