Know Your Rights (Legal Information for Indigenous People): Difference between revisions
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Know Your Rights (Legal Information for Indigenous People) (view source)
Revision as of 20:43, 7 February 2023
, 7 February 2023→Investigation process
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=== Investigation process === | === Investigation process === | ||
The ''CFCSA'' gives Ministry Social Workers (SW) certain powers when they investigate child protection concerns, up to and including the removal of your child from your home. | |||
* SWs must follow certain rules and policies when they do their work and make decisions. | |||
* If you feel the SW has acted wrongly you can try to resolve your concern directly with the SW or their supervisor. | |||
* You can also call the MCFD dispute resolution person to discuss concerns and learn about your options at 1-877-387-7027. | |||
* Ask a Legal Advocate or Lawyer for help. | |||
==== Over the course of the investigation, Social Workers can ==== | |||
# Contact parents, guardians or other third parties in your child’s life to ask about the child’s safety. | |||
## Ask to see your child | |||
# If you don’t let them see your child, they could decide to remove your child from your home, so it is generally best to cooperate. You can ask that a Band representative or other support person be present. | |||
# Question your children | |||
# They can talk to your child alone (without you). If you are notified of an intended interview, you can ask that a Band Representative or support person be present for any meetings. | |||
# They may talk to your child at school or outside of your home without telling you. | |||
# Interview people who know your child (teachers, friends, family) | |||
# Examine personal records for information about your child (medical records, school reports, court documents or other records in the possession of governmental bodies) | |||
# If there is a safety concern Social Workers can look at a range of options to determine if the child stays with the parent or work out an agreement with the parent, family member or community member for temporary care. | |||
# Remove your child from your home without warning, and without a court order if they think your child needs protection. | |||
# If a child is removed, there will be a Court hearing where there may be an agreement for care of the child or a Judge will decide what is in the best interest of the child. |