The Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services is in the process of updating its child welfare legislation. The next step involves input from stakeholders including First Nations, Metis groups and the general public.
The ministry is engaging with the public from now until the end of June. There will be meetings with delegations, as well as online engagement and written submissions.
Social Services Minister June Draude says the aim is to keep children healthy, happy and safe in their own homes. Draude says child apprehension does not fix the problem. She hopes to have new child welfare legislation in place by the spring of 2017:
“You know, we have to take some time to do it right. There is a lot of information and variables when it comes to working differently with First Nations and Metis families, focusing now on prevention rather than taking children away from their families.”
The existing laws were put in place 16 years ago. Since then, there have been numerous measures, including working closely with First Nations communities to better serve the needs of families and provide more support and resources to keep family units together.
For more information on the review process and how to get involved you can send an e-mail to CFSLegislationReview@gov.sk.ca or a letter to:
Ministry of Social Services
Attn: Child and Family Services Legislation Review
1920 Broad Street, 10th Floor
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 3V6