News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has proposed a new Children’s Services and Resources Regulation under the Family Services Act to modernize the existing framework of services and resources for children and families while providing additional support. The regulation has been posted for public review until Jan. 31.

The new regulation would replace the existing Children in Care Services Regulation 91-170.

“This regulation is an important improvement to New Brunswick’s child welfare system,” said Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard. “It shows our government’s commitment to supporting and protecting children while ensuring that those in care or in vulnerable situations have access to the services and resources they need.”

The regulation includes:

• kinship care, which has already been implemented in practice, being supported in legislation;

• the introduction of child-specific placements and treatment centres to offer additional options for children and youth;

• allowing children and youth who have not been taken into the care of the minister to access services in treatment centres; and

• additional accountability requirements for group home operators.

The regulation was first announced in conjunction with several legislative amendments to the Family Services Act in May. Some of these amendments resulted in changes to other regulations, which are also open to public review.

Those who wish to review or comment on the proposed regulation may visit the Public Review of Draft Regulations web page. Feedback can be submitted to [email protected], by fax at 506-453-5942 or by calling 1-844-982-1807.