Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indian Act
Know Your Rights
Criminal Law
Child Protection
Fair Decision Making
There are a few different times when you may be asked if you are willing to sign an agreement with the Ministry or an FNCFS Agency relating to the care of your child.
It is important to understand any agreement you sign and how long it will be in place. All the terms of any agreement should relate to keeping your child safe rather than punishing you or requiring you to follow rules unrelated to keeping your child safe. An agreement should also require things of the Ministry or FNCFS Agency related to keeping your child safe and providing you with services to be able to do that. You can suggest ideas for an agreement and may not have to agree to whatever a case worker first suggests.
It is very helpful to have a lawyer help you respond to any request to sign an agreement. This is why it is important to try to get legal advice as soon as you can after your are contacted by the Ministry or an FNCFS Agency. Even if you cannot have a lawyer help you right away, you should reach out to Legal Aid or another lawyer to try to get some advice going forward.
Private Arrangements
If you are considering entering into an agreement with a person or organization other than the Ministry or an FNCFS Agency with respect to the care of your child, it is important to get legal advice. We have more information at What if I Sign an Agreement with a Family or Community Member to Look After My Child.
Residential Services (Section 9) Agreement
An agreement to have your child live outside of your care.
What if I Sign an Agreement with a Family or Community Member to Look After My Child?
We talk briefly about the consequences of signing an agreement with someone else.
