Did you know that the Alberta law meant to ensure that all children and youth are safe from abuse and neglect is called the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (called the Enhancement Act)? Did you know that when you are receiving services under this law you have rights?

Yes, children and youth receiving services under this law have rights. Caseworkers must tell you about your rights and they must tell you in a way that you can understand. Ask your caseworker for a copy of the pamphlet called “Procedural Rights of Children and Youth” or go to this link. The information that you read on this website is very similar to the information in the pamphlet. However, you will notice that the pamphlet describes something called “procedural” rights, not just rights.

So what are procedural rights, anyway? The word “procedural” means certain actions or steps that must be taken, especially when a judge becomes involved in making decisions. Procedural rights differ, depending on what kind of court order or agreement makes it possible for a caseworker to be involved with you.

The law makes sure that the opinions, interests and viewpoints of children over 12 years of age are listened to by giving them the right to be involved in decisions about their lives. If possible, all children 12 years of age and older should be involved in case planning. Many children younger than 12 years of age have good ideas, too, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you have ideas you would like to share.

On this website, when we say “rights” we mean actions that you can expect when you are receiving services under this new law, including the procedural rights that you might have in certain situations.

If you know what to expect when you are receiving services, you will know what responsibilities you and other people have. So, ask lots of questions! Keep asking questions until you know what you need to know!

For information on what you can expect when you are receiving services under this law, select the agreement or order from the list above.