Annual Child Protection Program

Jointly presented by The Law Society of Manitoba, The Court of Queen’s Bench Judges and The Provincial Court Judges

The task of parenting and the establishment of healthy family dynamics become infinitely more difficult when one or more family members has a neurodevelopmental disorder such as FASD, ADHD or autism. This is not uncommon for children and parents involved in the child protection system. This program will give you a better understanding of:

• the impact of these disorders on the individual (e.g., inattention, impaired executive functioning, impaired communication) and the family;
• what resources are available and how to access them;
• the challenges that arise when cases involving families with these disorders come before the court;
• the particular challenges for a parent with FASD when a matter proceeds to trial;
• what the court and counsel can do to handle these challenges, recognizing the obligations arising from Bill C-92 An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.

The discussion around the need for appropriate supports will continue with a presentation about Jordan’s Principle, which seeks to ensure access to essential services for First Nations children whether on or off reserve. This will be followed by an overview of the Gladue principles applicable to criminal law sentencing when an offender is Indigenous and the increasing call for these principles to be applied in the child protection context.

Presenters Include

From Other Professions
Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
Dr. Peter Choate, PhD, Social Work, Mount Royal University
Dr. Stefanie Narvey, Developmental Pediatrician, Specialized Services for Children and Youth

From the Judiciary
Madam Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, Ontario Superior Court of Justice

Counsel
Darryl Buxton, Myers LLP

Click here to register.