Child Welfare Proceedings

Court proceedings involving the Director of Child and Family Services are governed by the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and deals with private and agency adoptions, secure services for at-risk youth, and intervention services used when there is a reasonable and probable belief that a child is in need of intervention.

With regard to intervention proceedings, the Act directs the actions of Child and Family Services workers, and explains the rights of the parents, guardians and children that are involved. The types of services that could be provided to a child whose survival, security, and development are at risk include supervision of the home, removal and placement in care, or adoption. Parents who find themselves involved in child protection proceedings have the right to have a lawyer represent them.