Child Protection Act review goes to public consultations

Islanders are being asked to weigh in on the province's Child Protection Act starting in February.

The newly-appointed Child Protection Act Review Advisory Committee, which has been tasked with studying the act and looking at whether legislative or policy changes are needed, is accepting written submissions and hosting public meetings across the province.

"Our government wants to continue to learn how we can help protect children from parental harm," said Family and Human Services Tina Mundy in a written statement.

"Islanders have a great history of caring and citizen engagement and we are committed to working closely with individuals and groups across the province to provide the best services possible to meet the needs of Island children and families."

Committee chairwoman Patsy MacLean said public input is vital.

"My hope is that we have a great turnout of public and also professional service providers," MacLean said.

"Foster parents, community partners who will take the time to either come and speak with us in the public consultations that we have invited them to or will provide us with a written submission or will ask us to sit down for a private meeting or one-on-one meeting and share with us what they think is working well, but also what they would like to see improve."

The first public meeting will take place Feb. 3 at Hernewood Intermediate School in Bloomfield. A full schedule can be found on the province's website.

The consultations are part of an effort to continue to learn how to protect children from parental harm, according to the province.

The committee is made up of members from the legal and aboriginal communities, as well as individuals who work in child protection and health and family services. There are also three youth representatives.

The committee will provide its report to the Family and Human Services minister within six months of the meetings.