Scope of Review

In conducting the Review the CWR panel will focus on what should be done rather than how it should be done.

The Panel will examine specific themes in child welfare including effective approaches that will:

• Support children, youth and families in their communities with a view to preventing the circumstances that lead to children and youth being placed in care;
• Protect children and youth from maltreatment and sexual exploitation;
• Reunify children and youth in care with their families and communities wherever this is in the best interests of the children;
• Improve outcomes for children and youth in care;
• Improve permanency planning for children and youth in care; and
• Transition youth in care to independence as young adults.

Stakeholder groups will be encouraged to participate in the Child Welfare Review consultations, including children, youth and adults who are or have been involved with the child welfare system. 

First Nations and Métis will be consulted and engaged throughout the process. 

The scope of the Review excludes:

• Detailed examination or investigation of the operations of particular programs;
• Personnel issues such as individual performance or job descriptions;
• Organizational structure of the Ministry of Social Services; and
• Specific clients and/or cases within the child welfare system. 

Where, however, the Panel receives information about a particular aspect of the child welfare system that would, as a matter of good public policy, warrant further examination it may include recommendations to that effect. 

Relevant information regarding cases of suspected child abuse or neglect and/or professional misconduct will be reported to the Ministry of Social Services for assessment and response, as per legislative and professional requirements.