Review of the Child and Family Services Act  

Public discussions will be held in various communities across the territory during the month of April click here for more information.

The 16th Legislative Assembly’s priority actions include the promotion of healthy choices and lifestyles. The priorities also speak to the role of personal and family responsibility. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) see the need to work with families, communities and schools to improve the physical and mental well-being of children and youth.

Over the past years, MLAs and their constituents have voiced concerns regarding child protection, apprehension, the discretionary powers of Child Protection Workers, the overall oversight of the NWT child protection regime, the role of the extended family in child protection matters, and the implementation of Child and Family Services Committees in NWT communities. Members have pressed Government to allow for a comprehensive review of the Child and Family Services Act and its implementation.

The 16th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories delegated the review of the Child and Family Services Act to the Standing Committee on Social Programs.

The Standing Program on Social Programs is a committee of the Legislative Assembly and has the following Members: 

        • Tom Beaulieu, Chair and MLA for Tu Nedhe 
        • Glen Abernethy, Deputy Chair and MLA for Great Slave 
        • Wendy Bisaro, MLA Frame Lake 
        • Bob Bromley, MLA Weledeh 

It is very important for the Committee Members to hear from you! This document gives an overview of how the review is planned. It also asks some questions for public input and describes how the public can participate in the review. Please take the time to participate and let us know what you think!