New Brunswick is seeking feedback on proposed changes to child protection legislation.
A new Children’s Services and Resources Regulation has been posted for public review.
The regulation includes the introduction of child-specific placements and treatment centres to offer additional options for children and youth.
Children and youth not under the care of the minister would also be able to access services in treatment centres.
The regulation also includes kinship care, which has already been implemented in practice, being supported in legislation, and more accountability requirements for group home operators.
Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard said the regulation is an important improvement to the province’s child welfare system.
“It shows our government’s commitment to supporting and protecting children while ensuring that those in care or in vulnerable situations have access to the services and resources they need,” said Shephard in a statement.
The changes follow two reports into the province’s child welfare system which, together, contained more than 100 recommendations for improvements.
The regulation is available for public review until Jan. 31. You can submit feedback to sd.consultation.ds@gnb.ca, by fax at 506-453-5942 or by calling 1-844-982-1807.