Representing Indigenous families & children in child welfare proceedings: Developments in the legal landscape | CPDonline.ca

Representing Indigenous families and children in child welfare proceedings: Developments in the legal landscape

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Credits
Substantive: 0.25
25 minutes
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: 1.0
1 hour
Published
2022
Presenter(s)
Jamesy Patrick
A. William J. Sullivan
Sheri Woods
Source
Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA)
Provider
CPDOnline.ca
Language
English
Length
85 minutes
Price
$129.00 plus tax
Includes Handouts

Join us to demystify the new Federal Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth, and Families which is intended to implement one of the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Learn about this legislation and the obligations it places on decision makers and lawyers when serving indigenous children and families in child welfare proceedings.

Master the “nuts & bolts” of indigenous child welfare proceedings from the experts. Topics of discussion will include:

  • New legislation and its current applications
  • What is the best interests of the indigenous child test?
  • What are the priority of placement obligations?
  • How can we apply these new laws in everyday proceedings?
  • New legislation and Jurisdiction
  • What is the process - including access to funding and coordination agreements?
  • What is the potential – including conflicts with existing laws?
  • What can we learn from the Cowessess First Nation and the Saskatchewan experience to date?

Summary of EDI Professionalism Content

  • The new Federal Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth, and Families was intended to implement one of the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
  • The Legislation is in response to cultural bias, and implementation has been largely challenged by unconscious bias, privilege, and cultural homophily.
  • Discussion of the legislation and the obligations it places on decision makers and lawyers when serving indigenous children and families in child welfare proceedings.
  • Discussions around cultural competency and effective communication with Indigenous families and children in child welfare proceedings.

Presenters

Jamesy Patrick

Jamesy received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Cum Laude (2006) from York University and both her Law degree (2012) and Master of Laws degree (2017) from the University of Saskatchewan. Jamesy’s research during her LLM focused on Indigenous child welfare in Saskatchewan. Jamesy has practiced child protection law as both Crown Counsel and defence counsel. Jamesy’s practice focuses primarily on child protection matters and Indigenous Governance in relation to child protection.  Jamesy is passionate about policy development and governance surrounding child protection for Indigenous communities and organizations. As well, Jamesy regularly accepts appointments to represent children and youth through the Counsel for Children and Youth Office, and she is devoted to furthering the best interests of children and families facing systemic barriers in the community. In addition to practice, Jamesy is a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law teaching Entertainment Law and Child Protection Law. Jamesy is honoured to be the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan.

The Honourable Justice A. William J. Sullivan

Sheri Woods

Sheri received both her Bachelor of Arts degree (2006) and her Law degree (2009) from the University of Saskatchewan. Sheri focuses her practice on all aspects of child protection matters including the representation of: First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies, parents, foster parents, extended family members, and youth in care. Sheri is a mentor lawyer for the Counsel for Children Office in addition to frequently accepting appointments to act for children and youth in care. Through her work representing Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable citizens Sheri has developed an expertise which takes her to all corners of the province. She is a frequent presenter at professional development seminars to the Saskatchewan legal community on child protection law and assisted reproduction law as well as having guest lectured at the College of Law and volunteering annually with the Bar Course (CPLED).  Sheri was a long standing member of the Board of Directors for YWCA Saskatoon and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for Ranch Ehrlo Society. In addition to her busy practice and numerous volunteer roles, Sheri also manages all of the day to day business of the firm.