Sask. government proposes updated child welfare legislation

The Saskatchewan government is looking to improve welfare services for children in the province.

On Monday, the government introduced The Child and Family Services Amendment Act, 2022, after getting input from sector partners and a number of youths with lived experience.

The proposed amendments involve three main areas:

• Raising the age of the child to receive protective services from up to 16 years of age to up to 18 years of age;
• Increasing the flexibility of information-sharing, disclosure and confidentiality in the best interests of the child or former child in care who is now an adult; and,
• Strengthening language in the act to enhance family, community and cultural connections for children and youth.

According to the government, children or former children in care will get increased access to things such as their family name, the reasons for their removal from the family home, the time they spent in care, and any relevant court matters. They’ll also get information regarding deceased individuals.

“Expanding information-sharing and disclosure will ensure the child’s right to know their identity and familial background, and will allow the child or former child in care to identify and establish familial and community connections if they wish,” Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said in a media release.

“The ministry recognizes the importance of this information to support family and personal healing.”

The act’s “best interests of the child” provision will be updated to recognize the cultural aspects of Indigenous children. The move is to preserve the child’s Indigenous identity, experience and connections in case planning.

“The proposed legislation also clarifies several aspects related to working with Indigenous children and families, including broadening information-sharing to Indigenous Governing Bodies and expanding notice to First Nations Child and Family Services agencies,” the release added.

“This will embed the significance of family, community and culturally based care and inclusion within planning with Indigenous children.”