Short answer: When the Youth Protection Directorate (DPJ) intervenes, its role is to determine if your child's safety or development is compromised. You retain important rights: be informed of what is happening, to be heard, get someone to accompany you And consult a lawyer. You are not obligated to sign an agreement immediately. If you are not satisfied with the services, you can file a complaint. The LAKAY FAMILIES project provides free support to families in the cultural communities of Lanaudière.

How does an intervention take place?

  1. The report. A person (school, daycare, neighbor, healthcare professional) reports a concern. The DPJ (Youth Protection Services) first decides whether the report should be examined more closely.
  2. The evaluation. A social worker meets with the child and parents, and may speak to other people. She assesses whether the child's safety or development is compromised.
  3. Orientation. If safety or development is deemed compromised, the DPJ proposes measures. It may propose a agreement on voluntary measures (for example, monitoring, services, family support).
  4. The court, if necessary. If the parents or the child aged 14 and over do not agree with the measures, or in an emergency situation, the case is brought before the Youth Chamber of the Court of Quebec, which decides.

Your rights as a parent

  • Be informed the reason for the intervention, the steps and decisions that concern you.
  • To be heard and give your version of events.
  • To be accompanied by a trusted person during the meetings.
  • Consult a lawyer at every stage, before signing an agreement and, of course, if the case goes to court. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for’legal aid.
  • Receive services that take into account your culture and language. If you do not understand French well, ask for an interpreter.
  • Take the time to reflect Before signing an agreement on voluntary measures, read it, ask questions, and seek advice.

Practical advice

  • Remain calm and cooperative during meetings; it is in the best interest of your child and your case.
  • Take notes: dates, names of speakers, what was said and decided.
  • Keep a copy of all documents you receive or sign.
  • Explain your family and educational practices, and ask what is specifically expected of you.

How to file a complaint

If you are not satisfied with the services received (lack of information, attitude, delays, treatment you consider unfair), you can file a complaint with the Commissioner for Complaints and Service Quality at the CISSS of Lanaudière. If you are not satisfied with the answer, you can then contact the Protector of the citizen.

If you believe your child's rights have been violated, you can also contact the Commission for Human Rights and Youth Rights (CDPDJ), which ensures respect for the rights of children under the care of the DPJ. And if you believe you have been treated differently because of your background, talk to a support organization.

The LAKAY FAMILIES project

THE FAMILIES project provides free support to families from the cultural communities of Lanaudière in connection with the DPJ: listening, explaining procedures, preparing for meetings and workshops on educational methods in the Quebec context.

Contact us to discuss this in complete confidentiality. • Telephone: 514-532-0484 • 818 Notre-Dame Street, Suite 202, Repentigny

Sources: Youth Protection Act (Quebec); Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission; Lanaudière Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS), Complaints Review Process. This guide provides general information and does not replace legal advice. For a specific situation, consult a lawyer or contact LAKAY.