Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Child and Family Services Standards and Procedures Manual states the Northwest Territories Child and Family Services Act mandates the provision of protective and supportive services for children and families.
It goes on to state this mandate is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Services and regional health and social services authorities to jointly fulfill the obligations under the Child and Family Services Act.
Mr. Speaker, the main objective of the act is for the protection and wellbeing of children. It goes on to tell parents how to raise and handle their children free from abuse and harm and use of safe disciplinary methods.
Mr. Speaker, the document goes on to state that measures taken for the protection and wellbeing of children should, as far as possible, promote family and community integrity and continuity. It also suggests that communities should be encouraged to provide and develop their own child and family services but, I take it, within the rules of the Child and Family Services Act.
Mr. Speaker, there is perhaps a lot of education for parents and communities within the act which focuses on the protection of the children within the family unit. The problem with the Child and Family Services Act is that it is not front and center in our communities. Only when there are troubles for families that this act springs out of the dark and families are left scratching their heads wondering and realizing their worst nightmares, that their children are being taken away.
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
