FAQ

Q: How long will it take for the Child and Family Services Board to issue its order regarding my application?

A: The Child and Family Services Review Board will issue an order immediately after the completion of the hearing. Written reasons for the Board’s decision will be completed within 30 days of the oral hearing.

Q: Will the child’s parents or guardian be informed of the application to the Child and Family Services Review Board?

A: No. The Child and Family Services Review Board will not share details of the application with parents.

However, the secure treatment facility or the child’s lawyer may inform the child’s parents or guardian of the application to the Child and Family Services Review Board and may request that the parents attend the hearing as witnesses.

Q: Where will the hearing be held?

A: The hearing will be held at the secure treatment facility.

Q: How will a person communicate with the Child and Family Services Review Board if he/she does not speak English or French?

A: If an applicant 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: Who may attend a hearing?

A: The applicant, the applicant’s lawyer and the lawyer representing the secure treatment facility.

Medical and social service professionals, facility staff, family members and guardians may attend the hearing as witnesses.

Q: What if a person is not represented by legal counsel?

A: The Board Member presiding over the hearing will make every effort to ensure that the person has equal opportunity to present his/her position. The Board will ensure that the process is fair and impartial.

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

A: The Child and Family Services Review Board will issue an order to the applicant and secure treatment facility at the end of the hearing.  Written reasons for the Board’s decision are sent to both parties via courier or fax within 30 days.

Q: Is the decision of the Child and Family Services Review Board binding?

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 Child and Family Services Review Board’s decision?

A: No, the decision of the Board cannot be appealed. The only way to challenge a Board decision is to judicially review the decision. You may wish to seek legal advice if you want to pursue a judicial review.