Should Newfoundland Change How It Protects Children in Care?
Official title: Legislative Review of the Children, Youth and Families Act
Newfoundland and Labrador is reviewing its child protection law, the Children, Youth and Families Act. The government wants to hear from you about five key areas: Indigenous child welfare, permanency planning, outcomes for kids in care, youth aging out of the system, and information sharing between agencies. Your feedback could shape how the province protects vulnerable children and supports families.
Why This Matters
Know a family struggling with child welfare services? This affects them. Foster parents, social workers, and Indigenous communities all have a stake. Youth aging out of care at 18 often face homelessness and poverty. This review could change how the system supports them.
What Could Change
The Children, Youth and Families Act could be amended based on this feedback. Changes might affect how Indigenous communities are involved in child welfare decisions. Rules around permanent placements and adoptions could shift. Support services for youth transitioning to adulthood at 18 might expand or change. Information sharing between agencies could become easier or more restricted.
Key Issues
- How should Indigenous communities be involved in child welfare decisions affecting their children?
- How can the system better achieve permanent, stable homes for children in care?
- What outcomes should we measure for children and youth in care?
- How should the system support youth transitioning to adulthood at 18?
- When and how should information be shared between agencies involved in child welfare?
How to Participate
- Review the Discussion Guide to understand the five focus areas before providing feedback.
- Complete the online questionnaire (10-20 minutes). You'll need to register for an EngageNL account first.
- Or submit written feedback by email to cyfareview@gov.nl.ca or by mail to the Department of Families and Affordability by the deadline.