Changes to CFS Act to help keep more children out of care

Recent changes to Manitoba’s Child and Family Services (CFS) Act aim to keep more children with their families and reduce reliance on the child welfare system. Four new agreement types—family support, kinship care, customary care, and voluntary care—have been introduced to give CFS agencies additional options for involving parents in planning while maintaining their guardianship. These agreements are designed to empower family members, Indigenous nations, and communities, ensuring that the child welfare system collaborates effectively with parents who require extra support.

To facilitate the implementation of these new agreements, an additional $10 million has been allocated to Indigenous agencies, specifically for customary and kinship care. The CFS Act has also been amended to enhance coordination and information sharing between provincially mandated services and those provided by Indigenous communities through First Nation and Métis child welfare laws.

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine emphasized the importance of providing support to families during challenging times, encouraging parents to seek help with the assurance that they will be connected to resources aimed at keeping them together and safeguarding their well-being. These legislative changes took effect at the start of the month, reflecting a commitment to better meet the needs of Manitoba’s children and families.

Read the full story on CTV News:

Scroll to Top