Policy, Practice, Regulation Changes and Legislative Amendments

Last updated on November 14, 2023

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) regularly makes focused changes to policies, practices, regulation and/or legislation. Proposed changes will apply to specific practices, policies and regulations for identified and limited purpose within the scope of existing legislation. This could include, for example, issues raised by Indigenous communities and updating policies and practices to align better with legislation. Legislative amendments are made to update language in existing legislation to align with federal Indigenous child and family services legislation or to address misinterpretation. As we move forward with proposed changes, we will seek input.

Engagement Process

Proposed changes to specific policies, practices, regulations and legislation are posted here. The ministry will collect input by email, phone and mail as per the draft engagement approach with First Nations on MCFD initiatives that is consistent with provincial obligations under the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Additional opportunities for engagement may be provided if requested.

Unless the need for further engagement is identified, the proposed change will be enacted and become part of the current policy, practice, regulation or legislation.


Description	Proposed	Enacted
Amendments to the missing children and youth in care policy and interim practice guidelines have been made to address immediate safety concerns. To send written feedback or request information please contact MCF.StandardsPolicy@gov.bc.ca To participate in the January 2024 engagement sessions, please send your name and contact information to MCF.StandardsPolicy@gov.bc.ca. Missing Children and Youth In Care: Policy and Practice Guidelines: Children and Youth in Care Policies (Policy 5.12) Interim Practice Guideline: When a Child or Youth in Care is Missing (PDF)	November 9, 2023
The ministry is seeking feedback on a Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) Guide policy that provides SAJE Guides with information about how they can support youth and young adults to successfully navigate the transition to adulthood and independence, including how they can access the range of supports available. Send feedback or request information to MCF.StandardsPolicy@gov.bc.ca. Feedback will be accepted until December 9, 2023. Proposed SAJE Guide Policy (PDF, 533kb)	November 9, 2023
Amendments to the Child, Family and Community Service Act are needed to: Address the need for procedural safeguards respecting the powers of both a CFCSA director and an Indigenous authority to compel information from public bodies to deliver child and family services; and, Resolve a small number of immediate issues delaying Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services created through previous amendments. To be involved in the legislative development process, please contact shelley.atkinson@gov.bc.ca 2024 CFCSA Amendments Info Package (PDF) 2024 CFCSA Amendments PowerPoint (PDF)	July 19, 2023
Youth Navigator Policy Proposed Policy Change (PDF) Proposed Youth Navigator Policy (PDF) Learn more or provide feedback until June 4, 2023 by contacting mcf.standardspolicy@gov.bc.ca	May 3, 2023
Child and Family File Transfer Policy and Joint Child and Family File Management Policy Proposed Policy Change (PDF) Proposed Child and Family File Transfer Policy (PDF) Proposed Child and Family File Transfer Roles and Responsibilities Form (PDF) Proposed Joint Child and Family Management Policy (PDF) Proposed Joint Child and Family Management Roles and Responsibilities Form (PDF) Current Child, Family and Community Service Act	April 4, 2023
Post Adoption Assistance (PAA) Maintenance Rate Increase Proposed Regulation Change (PDF) Current Adoption Regulation PAA Rate Table	April 4, 2023	July 1, 2023
Children and Youth in Care Policy Planning and Preparing for Adulthood Proposed Policy Change (PDF) Proposed Draft Policy 5.10 (PDF) Current Policy (Chapter 5) (PDF)	April 4, 2023
Bill 38 Regulations for Co-Development Proposed Regulation Topics (PDF) Invitation to Co-Develop Regulations – February 9, 2023 (PDF) Bill 38, the Indigenous Self Government in Child and Family Services Amendment Act Current Child, Family and Community Services Act Current Adoption Act Current Child, Family and Community Service Regulation Schedule 3 Forms Current Adoption Agency Regulation Current Adoption Regulation Learn more or request to participate in co-development of Bill 38 regulations by contacting Melanie Baker at Melanie.Baker@gov.bc.ca Learn more or request to participate in co-development of the Indigenous Child Welfare Director Role by contacting wendy.norris@gov.bc.ca	February 23, 2023
Gendered Language Legislative Amendments Proposed Language Changes (PDF) Child, Family and Community Service Act Employment and Assistance Act Social Workers Act Youth Justice Act Adoption Act Human Resource Facility Act	August 22, 2022	March 30, 2023
Child, Family and Community Service Regulation Report to Provincial Court BC Forms Proposed Changes to Schedule 3 Forms (PDF) Current Child, Family and Community Service Regulation Current Schedule 3 Forms	June 27, 2022
Respite Investigation Policy Proposed Changes (PDF) Current Resource Work Policies (Chapter 8.20) (PDF) Current Investigation of Contracted Agencies Policy (PDF)	June 27, 2022
Confidentiality and Disclosure Information Guidelines Proposed Change (PDF) Current Guidelines (PDF)	May 2, 2022	October 1, 2022

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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Policy, Practice, Regulation Changes and Legislative Amendments

Engagement Process