Debates of May 17, 2007 (day 9)

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Minister examines the issue of involving non-custodial parents in caring for apprehended children and, if necessary, make required necessary and regulatory changes to allow child protection workers the discretionary powers to place apprehended children with the non-custodial parent on a temporary basis, providing it is in the best interest of the child. Thank you, Madam Chair.

(Mrs. Groenewegen): Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The motion is in order. To the motion. Mr. Braden.

A bit of the context to this, Madam Chair. Of course, parental break-up is prevalent everywhere. In the event that a child is removed from the parent that does have custody, we heard in our travels that, in some cases, the other parent, while they may be sort of separated and out of the household, could still be a very viable and a safe place for the apprehended child to go. I guess what we want to do is ask the Minister to clear the way. I think there are some barriers in place now that may prevent childcare workers from going to the separated non-custodial parent. We think that there is value in allowing a childcare worker to look at that as an option. It can be very painful for a non-custodial parent to see their child going to a non-related home because of some systemic problem. We think that this option should be made available. That is the purpose of the motion, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. To the motion.

Question.

Question has been called. All those in favour of the motion? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried