Policy, Practice, Regulation Changes and Legislative Amendments

Last updated on September 17, 2024

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) regularly makes focused changes to policies, practices, regulation and/or legislation. Proposed changes will apply to specific practices, policies and regulations for identified and limited purpose within the scope of existing legislation. This could include, for example, issues raised by Indigenous communities and updating policies and practices to align better with legislation. Legislative amendments are made to update language in existing legislation to align with federal Indigenous child and family services legislation or to address misinterpretation. As we move forward with proposed changes, we will seek input.

Engagement Process

Proposed changes to specific policies, practices, regulations and legislation are posted here. The ministry will collect input by email, phone and mail as per the draft engagement approach with First Nations on MCFD initiatives that is consistent with provincial obligations under the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Additional opportunities for engagement may be provided if requested.

Unless the need for further engagement is identified, the proposed change will be enacted and become part of the current policy, practice, regulation or legislation.

 
Description Proposed Enacted

Amendments to the missing children and youth in care policy and interim practice guidelines have been made to address immediate safety concerns.  

To send written feedback or request information please contact MCF.StandardsPolicy@gov.bc.ca

To participate in the January 2024 engagement sessions, please send your name and contact information to MCF.StandardsPolicy@gov.bc.ca.

Missing Children and Youth In Care: Policy and Practice Guidelines:  

November 9, 2023

 

The ministry is seeking feedback on a Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) Guide policy that provides SAJE Guides with information about how they can support youth and young adults to successfully navigate the transition to adulthood and independence, including how they can access the range of supports available.

Send feedback or request information to MCF.StandardsPolicy@gov.bc.ca. Feedback will be accepted until December 9, 2023.

Proposed SAJE Guide Policy (PDF, 533kb)

November 9, 2023

 

Amendments to the Child, Family and Community Service Act are needed to:

  • Address the need for procedural safeguards respecting the powers of both a CFCSA director and an Indigenous authority to compel information from public bodies to deliver child and family services; and,
  • Resolve a small number of immediate issues delaying Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services created through previous amendments.

To be involved in the legislative development process, please contact shelley.atkinson@gov.bc.ca

July 19, 2023  

Youth Navigator Policy

Learn more or provide feedback until June 4, 2023
by contacting mcf.standardspolicy@gov.bc.ca

May 3, 2023  

Child and Family File Transfer Policy and
Joint Child and Family File Management Policy

April 4, 2023  

Post Adoption Assistance (PAA) Maintenance Rate Increase

April 4, 2023 July 1, 2023

Children and Youth in Care Policy
Planning and Preparing for Adulthood

April 4, 2023  

Bill 38 Regulations for Co-Development

Learn more or request to participate in co-development of
Bill 38 regulations by contacting Melanie Baker at Melanie.Baker@gov.bc.ca

Learn more or request to participate in co-development
of the Indigenous Child Welfare Director Role by contacting
wendy.norris@gov.bc.ca

February 23, 2023  

Gendered Language Legislative Amendments

August 22, 2022 March 30, 2023

Child, Family and Community Service Regulation
Report to Provincial Court BC Forms

June 27, 2022  

Respite Investigation Policy

June 27, 2022  

Confidentiality and Disclosure Information Guidelines

May 2, 2022 October 1, 2022