Youth protection

The Director of Youth Protection (DYP) intervenes in your family environment when a report is made under the Youth Protection Act and it is believed that there is a risk that a child's security or development is compromised. In an emergency, it may apply immediate protective measures. The DYP must then determine the measures to be taken to ensure the child's protection: it may sign a provisional tailored agreement with the family (voluntary measures), or refer the matter to the court, which decides whether the child's security and development are in fact compromised.

If you believe that the intervention of the Director of Youth Protection is not justified or goes beyond its scope, we can object before the court or propose alternative measures.

Yes. Before the Youth Division, the child is a party in their own right and is entitled to a lawyer who represents their interests — distinct from those of the parents and of the DYP. The court sees to it, and legal aid generally covers this representation. We act for children and teenagers as well as for parents.

No. An agreement on voluntary measures is a commitment you make: you can refuse it, ask for time to have a lawyer read it, or propose changes. If no agreement is possible, the DYP must go to court, which will decide after hearing everyone. Signing too quickly, without weighing what each undertaking means, is the mistake we see most often.

Often, yes. Youth protection cases are among the services covered by legal aid, subject to financial eligibility. We accept these mandates. If you are unsure of your rights, call us: we will quickly tell you whether you may qualify and how to apply.