Frequently asked questions
Youth protection - Parents or people working with children
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What is the difference between the Commission and the Director of Youth Protection (DYP)?
The Director of Youth Protection (DYP) is responsible for :
- accepting and processing reports
- assessing the child’s situation and determining if their security or development is in danger
- determining the appropriate child protection measures and helping parents correct the situation
- implementing child protection measures - keeping the child in the family environment, or placing them elsewhere (foster family, children’s home, etc.)
- regularly reviewing the child’s situation
- putting an end to the DYP’s intervention if a child’s security or development is no longer in danger
The Commission intervenes when people, institutions or organizations fail to respect the rights of a child in need of protection, whether or not the child is under the responsibility of the Director of Youth Protection (DYP).
The Commission’s responsibilities include :
- promoting and upholding young people’s rights under the Youth Protection Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act
- investigating if we have reason to believe that the rights of a child or group of children have been violated
- taking legal steps to correct situations where a child’s rights have been violated
- educating the general public, and children in particular, about children’s rights
- making recommendations to government
- conducting research about young people’s rights under the Youth Protection Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act
The Commission’s broader mission is to promote and protect the rights of children.
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When should I contact the Commission and when should I contact the DYP?
If you believe that a child is experiencing abuse, neglect or serious behavioural problems, contact your local Director of Youth Protection (DYP). The DYP is the organization that can intervene to protect the child.
After submitting a report, if you feel that the DYP’s response is inadequate or that the rights of a young person under the care of child protection services are not being upheld, then contact the Commission.
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Who will find out if I contact the Commission to protect a child’s rights?
No one will be informed when you request investigation from the Commission to protect a child’s rights.
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How can I report child abuse?
You can protect a child (meaning anyone younger than age 18) by reporting their situation to your local Director of Youth Protection (DYP).
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How can I file a complaint against the DYP?
If you believe that the Director of Youth Protection (DYP) is violating the rights of a child, contact us to request investigation.
Learn more about requests for investigation
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Can the DYP meet my children at school without my permission?
Yes, under certain circumstances, the DYP can meet your children at school without your knowledge. This could happen, for example, during assessment of a report of physical or sexual abuse by a parent. In these cases, parents will be informed of the meeting after the fact.