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Child Welfare Practice Within the Legal Context

About this Guide

This guide contains information and resources pertaining to the legal context of child welfare including sections on legislation and regulations, collaborative planning and decision making, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and more.

The guide also offers select references and additional resources for Course 3 (CWP03) of the Reimagined Child Welfare Pathway to Authorization (CWP). Course 3 is titled "Child Welfare Practice Within the Legal Context" and consists of the following eLearning and in-class modules:

eLearning:

  • CWP03-01: Legal Context of Child Welfare 
  • CWP03-02: International Obligations 
  • CWP03-03: Preamble and CYFSA - Key Sections 
  • CWP03-04: Other Legislation Under the CYFSA and Court Processes Impacting Child Protection Services 
  • CWP03-05: Engaging Families Voluntarily 
  • CWP03-06: Legal Authority of Child Protection Services 
  • CWP03-07: Child Protection Court Process 
  • CWP03-08: Access and Openness Orders 

In-Class:

  • CWP03-01: Roles and Limitations
  • CWP03-02: Child Protection Court Processes 
  • CWP03-03: Affidavit Writing

References and resources are organized thematically and/or by module. Where possible, links are provided to resources that are either freely available online or otherwise available to learners, for example, via OACAS's database subscriptions. 

Disclaimer

This guide is intended as a supplementary resource for staff at Children's Aid Societies and Indigenous Well-being Agencies. It is not intended as an authority on social work or legal practice, nor is it meant to be representative of all perspectives in child welfare. Staff are encouraged to think critically when reviewing publications and other materials, and to always confirm practice and policy at their agency.

Legal Context of Child Welfare

Version en français

Legislation and Regulations

Version en français

Child Protection Cases and Court Processes

Version en français

Collaborative Planning and Decision Making

Version en français

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Access and Openness