FAQ

Q: What if I don’t have a lawyer? 

A: The Board Member in charge of the hearing will make every effort to ensure that you have a fair chance to present his or her position.

Q: How long will it take for the Child and Family Services Review Board to make a decision about my application?

A: The Child and Family Services Review Board must give a decision within 30 days after getting your application unless there is a hearing and you and the others involved agree to a longer time period.

Q: Will my parents be told about the application?

A: If you are in the care of a children’s aid society, your parents will not be told by the Board. If you were placed by your parent(s), your parent(s) will be told by the Board.

Q: Where will the hearing be held?

A: The hearing will be held in a private meeting room. The hearing will not be held at your placement.

Q: How will the participants communicate with the Child and Family Services Review Board if they do not speak English or French?

A: If a party or a witness at the hearing does not speak English or French, the Child and Family Services Review Board will make a translator/interpreter available.

Q: Can I bring a support person to the hearing?

A: You can bring a support person of your choice including your parent, a Child Advocate, a community social worker or an older brother or sister for example.

Q: Who else may attend the hearing?

A: You and your lawyer, the children’s aid society representative and his or her lawyer may all attend the hearing. Witnesses only attend when they are giving their evidence and then they must leave.

Q: How will the Child and Family Services Review Board communicate its decision?

A:  The Child and Family Services Review Board may send out an order setting out its decision, followed later by more detailed reasons. The Board may also issues written reasons that contain the decision. They will courier or mail or fax a copy to you and the children’s aid society or person who placed you, depending on the circumstances. If you agree, the Board will send a copy of the decision and reasons to the Child Advocate.

Q: Does the Child and Family Services Review Board’s decision have to be followed?

A: The parties to the hearing must comply with the decision of the Child and Family Services Review Board.

Q: Is there an appeal of the decision of the Child and Family Services Review Board?

A: No, the decision of the Board cannot be appealed. The only way to challenge a Board decision is to bring what is called a “judicial review”. A party may wish to talk to a lawyer if they want to consider this step.