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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When does the Commission investigate a child’s situation?
The Commission may initiate an investigation when we receive a request from someone who has witnessed a violation of the rights of a young person under the care of the Director of Youth Protection (DYP).
We may also initiate an investigation on our own initiative when we are alerted through the media of a situation where a child’s rights are not being respected.
Learn more about violations of children’s rights
Learn more about youth protection investigationsIf you know of or witness a violation of the rights of a child under the care of the DYP, please let us know by submitting a request for investigation.
Request investigation
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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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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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Why wouldn’t the Commission investigate my report about a child in a youth centre?
The Commission cannot investigate every situation. Our powers of investigation are defined by the Youth Protection Act (YPA).
We can only investigate when we have reason to believe that a child’s rights under the YPA are not being respected (possible violation of rights).
The Commission cannot investigate if:
- the same matter has already been taken to court (Court of Québec, Youth Division)
- the request for investigation is aimed at overturning a court ruling (Court of Québec, Youth Division)
- there is not enough evidence (facts) of a violation of rights
- another organization, like the National Student Ombudsman or the Québec Ombudsman, is responsible for the situation.
Learn more about YPA rights
Learn more about violations of children’s rights
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Can the Commission represent my child in court (Court of Québec Youth Division)?
No. This is not part of the Commission’s mandate under the Youth Protection Act (YPA).
To find legal representation for your child, you can find a lawyer on the Barreau du Québec website (French only).
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In what situations does the Commission go to court (Court of Québec Youth Division) to restore a child’s rights?
The Commission may take legal action when an investigation fails to restore a child’s rights, or its recommendations to the respondents are ignored.
In most cases, the Commission finds swift and effective solutions during the investigation, through agreements with the respondent parties (youth centres, schools, CISSS, etc.).
If this approach fails, the Commission makes recommendations to the respondents to resolve the situation. These recommendations are almost always followed. However, if they are not, the Commission may take the case to court.
See a diagram showing how we process requests for investigation
Learn more about youth protection investigations -
I disagree with a court ruling (Court of Québec Youth Division) in my child’s case. Can the Commission help me?
No. The Commission has no authority to overrule or challenge court decisions. If you disagree with a court ruling, you may want to consult a lawyer.
Find a lawyer (French only)
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Do children take part in the Commission’s investigations?
Yes. When a youth protection investigation is opened, the Commission identifies all the people, including children, who will be interviewed. Our investigators communicate with children whenever their input is relevant to the investigation. These meetings can be held in person, by phone, or by videoconference.
Children and youth under the care of the Director of Youth Protection (DYP) can ask the Commission to investigate if they believe their rights have not been respected.
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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.
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How many people work for youth rights at the Commission?
The Commission’s Youth Investigation Department currently has 24 staff members dedicated to defending and upholding the rights of children under the Youth Protection Act (YPA). Many people in other departments also contribute to this work by:
- providing training on rights violations and DYP reporting procedures
- developing information tools and public awareness campaigns on young peoples’ rights
- offering legal counsel
- taking care of the computer system that we use to process requests for investigation.
Learn more about youth protection investigations
Learn more about our youth protection training