We are pleased to announce that work has progressed on the revisions to the Children's Act. The proposed new "Child and Family Services Act" clearly reflects what was heard in consultations over the past three years. The next stage involves a targeted consultation on the language of the proposed draft bill. Once the review is completed any final changes will be incorporated and the new bill tabled in the Legislature.
Proposed New Child and Family Services Act
Highlights of New Child and Family Services Act (120 KB)
Draft Legislation - Child and Family Services Act (1.5 MB)
More information
Ewa Dembek
Email: ewa.dembek@gov.yk.ca
Phone: (867) 393-7441
Fax: (867) 393-6410
Media inquiries
Contact: Pat Living
Email: patricia.living@gov.yk.ca
Phone: (867) 667-3673
Fax: (867) 667-3096
Public Comments
Email: hss@gov.yk.ca
The consultation phase of the Yukon Children's Act Revision project began on April 1, 2004. Since that time hundreds of Yukoners have shared their views and experiences on many aspects of the legislation. We would like to thank all of the people and organizations who have taken the time to participate during this phase of the project. Your contributions have been appreciated.
The record of this broad consultation is now helping to shape the work that is continuing through a working group consisting of representatives from the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon government. The next steps in the project involve finalization of the policy content of the new law, followed by drafting of the language of the new act.
The website will be updated once the policy content is finalized.
Enacted in 1984, the Yukon Children's Act has a profound and direct impact on the lives of Yukon children and families. This piece of legislation determines who is a parent, who has custody of, or access to a child; who may adopt a child and when the state, in this case the Yukon government, should intervene to protect a child. The act has not been reviewed since 1984.
In June 2003, the Minister of Health and Social Services was directed by Cabinet to undertake a full revision of the Yukon Children's Act. This revision is using a very unique approach. The project is being lead jointly by co-chairs representing the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Yukon government.
Over the coming two years, the consultation process will allow Yukoners the opportunity to share their views on the act with the project team members who will be travelling to every Yukon community.
Children's Act Revision Consultation Plan
