Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Indian Act
Know Your Rights
Criminal Law
Child Protection
Fair Decision Making
There are ways to settle a child protection matter without going to court or even once court proceedings have started if the parents and the Ministry or FNCFS Agency do not agree on the facts of the case or a plan for the child.
A mediator can be assigned to work with the parties to arrive at a solution. Other methods used to resolve child protection matters include the use of Talking Circles or Family Case Conferencing. You can ask to use some type of mediation at any time.
The court can also order something called "Opikinawasowin" or "Opik" to help it make a decision. This is a panel of three Elders who talk to all of the parties and then make recommendations to the court about what they feel is in the child's best interests.
If at any time you have taken steps to address the reasons a case worker believes your child is in need of protection, you should make sure they know that you have done this.
