Child protection has been an issue of concern in countries across the world. According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, 32% of Canadians have experienced physical or sexual abuse or exposure to intimate partner violence or a combination of these while they were young. Children who face abuse tend to develop mental disorders later on in their lives. Children who are at a nascent stage of their life need to be cared for, nurtured and brought up in a safe and sound environment. This is imperative to their mental and physical well-being. Keeping this is mind, the state has certain laws and regulations to protect children and ensure they are given their basic rights. Go to any law firm in Alberta and you will get an understanding of the provincial child protection laws.
Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act
At the provincial level, the child, youth, and family enhancement Act is the prominent child protection law. The act calls for the need for intervention if the child’s survival, security, and development is in danger due to:
- Abandonment
- Death of a guardian
- The guardian neglecting the child
- The child being at risk of being physically injured, sexually abused, by the guardian of the child
- The guardian being unwilling or unable to take responsibility of the child.
- The guardian having subjected the child to unusual or cruel behaviour
- The guardian being emotionally abusive towards the child.
If at all you find that a child is going through any of the above scenarios, then you have all the right to seek for intervention services to rescue the child and restore her basic rights.
Convention on Rights of the Child
The convention on the rights of the child (CRC) is an international law that influences child protection laws all over the world. The Convention considers anyone who is below the age of 18 years to be a child. The CRC focuses on a variety of topics that cover child protection laws, regulations, and practices. Some of the points covered by the CRC are:
- Non-discrimination
- Responsibility of parents to provide guidance and a sense of direction to the child.
- The child’s right to be free from unlawful and arbitrary interference with his or her privacy or family.
- It also covers the major responsibility of parents and guardians for the upbringing and development of the child, guided by the best interests of the child.
- No child should be separated from his or her parent against their own will.
These were some of the key child protection laws the CRC covers. Go through the CRC website to know more about child protection laws.
Charter for Rights and Freedoms
Child protection laws at the federal level are influenced by the charter for rights and freedoms. The provisions of the charter are applicable on all citizens of Canada. This is inclusive of children as well. A lawyer from a law firm in Alberta will be able to guide you on the basic rights all Canadian children are entitled to.
Consult with our legal experts to learn more about child protection laws in Canada.