October 6, 2025

Since my son Bennett was removed from my care on August 28, 2025, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) has failed to provide any family plan or clear reunification strategy, despite its legal obligations under the Child, Family and Community Service Act.

Lack of Timely Family Plan
Section 6 of the CFCSA establishes that families must be informed of decisions affecting them and encouraged to participate in service planning. Section 70(1)(b) guarantees the right of a parent to be informed and consulted about decisions made regarding their child.
Despite these provisions, the assigned social worker confirmed on October 6 that the family plan is still “in development.” This delay has left me without clarity on Bennett’s care goals, timelines, or expectations for reunification.

Exclusion of Family and Professional Network

In her October 6 email, the social worker stated that this is “not an FCPC” and that “others outside of MCFD and yourself are generally not included in the family planning discussions.”
This approach directly contradicts section 22 of the CFCSA, which provides for Family Case Planning Conferences involving family members, extended family, caregivers, and others important to the child, particularly when developing or reviewing a family plan.
MCFD’s own Family Engagement and Case Planning policies (Child and Family Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Chapter 3) require inclusive participation of the child, family, extended family, service providers, and relevant professionals whenever possible.

Reunification and Procedural Fairness

Under CFCSA principles, the primary objective after removal is reunification. Any conditions or goals set by the Ministry for reunification must be developed collaboratively, not unilaterally determined by the Director.
Excluding family and professional supports undermines procedural fairness and impedes my ability to meaningfully participate in decisions affecting my son’s wellbeing.

Lack of Transparency and Access to Information

To date, I have not been provided with any draft or finalized plan, nor have I received consistent updates on Bennett’s care. This lack of disclosure prevents me from exercising my rights under both the CFCSA and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) to review documents that directly concern my child.

Bureaucracy may move slowly, but childhood doesn’t wait. My son deserves more than paperwork “in development.” He deserves connection, consistency, and the chance to come home. Until that happens, I’ll keep fighting—not just for Bennett, but for every parent standing on the other side of a locked door.

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