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Child, Youth and Family Services
December 7, 2009
Consultations to Begin on Child, Youth and Family
Services Act
The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services is embarking on a
comprehensive review of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.
A series of scheduled consultations will begin this week with key
stakeholders, including representatives from advocacy, client,
aboriginal, education, health, judicial and community groups. Other
organizations and interested individuals are also encouraged to submit
their views on the current legislation.
"The purpose of legislative review is to obtain a broad range of
feedback from people who work with, or are impacted by, child protection
legislation," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Child, Youth
and Family Services. "A close examination of the act will help ensure
that every measure we implement in the new department is designed to
strengthen the child protection system. Our policy decisions as we move
forward must be rooted in strong legislation."
The current Child, Youth and Family Services Act, proclaimed
on January 5, 2000, is the legislation which governs the protection of
children in Newfoundland and Labrador. The act provides the
authority to intervene when a child is the victim, or at risk, of abuse
by a parent or legal guardian.
Various reports have recommended a legislative review, including the
Clinical Services Review released in May 2009. The review of the
act will focus on limitations or gaps in the current legislation. This
will range from analyzing terminology to a broader examination of the
legislative principles and authority for providing services to children,
youth and their families.
"The Provincial Government recognizes that the Child, Youth and
Family Services Act needs to be reviewed and updated," said Minister
Burke. "The Clinical Services Review and other reports have
pointed to serious deficiencies within the system. One of the first
steps to making the necessary reforms to safeguard our children is to
complete a legislative review."
Individuals wishing to comment on the act can do so through a
discussion guide posted on the CYFS website at
www.gov.nl.ca/cyfs. The
information and questions in the guide are provided as an aid to help
facilitate dialogue and feedback. Comments regarding other insights or
concerns are encouraged and welcomed. Input can also be provided by
calling, emailing or by sending a written submission to the department.
"I encourage anyone who has views on the current legislation to share
their thoughts," said Minister Burke. "This is a chance to directly
influence legislation and to help create the best child and youth
protection system in the country."
Announced under Budget 2009, the creation of the new Department of
Child, Youth and Family Services signals the Provincial Government�s
commitment to building a revitalized system that is responsive to the
priority needs of children and that operates within a culture of
accountability and excellence.
The current Child, Youth and Family Services Act can be viewed
online at
//assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/c12-1.htm. The
act and discussion guide can also be obtained by calling the department.
Comments can be made until January 30, 2010 by:
Email:
cyfsreview@gov.nl.ca
Phone:
Joanne Cotter, Program Consultant, 1-877-225-3335
Mail:
CYFS Legislative Review
c/o Joanne Cotter, Program Consultant
Child, Youth and Family Services
P.O Box 8700
St, John�s, NL
A1B 4J6
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Susanne Hiller
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 697-3760
susannehiller@gov.nl.ca
2009 12 07 11:35 a.m.
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