Spotlight: Child Welfare

Foster parents in ‘Courtenay, B.C.’ speak out after a string of alleged incidents targeting them and their 16-year-old foster son, as they wait for trial

The Supreme Court of Canada has tossed an appeal from the child ‘welfare’ agency in favour of ‘Justine.’ Her lawyer says it’s now ‘the case that governs the issue in B.C.’

How a First Nation’s visionaries are rebuilding sovereignty over child welfare on their own terms

The nation’s culture is matrilineal — which translates into how young people are protected and fought for, beyond colonial rules

It hasn’t been an easy journey to take power back from colonial child ‘welfare’ agencies — but the newly launched Wila Dildilsdi’m is counting every small victory

The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation’s child well-being law has been in effect for over one year.

National interviews with people who grew up in the child services system call for preventive, compassionate support.

This province is a national leader in paying for post-secondary tuition and changing lives.

The former youth in care left behind by post-majority support services

‘Justine’ believes her appeal victory will ‘definitely help other families’ involved with the child welfare system who face discrimination

Vancouver Island Nations have been working to assume jurisdiction over their children.

He was born on a Friday and in foster care by Monday. It would have been the next day if not for the weekend that fell in-between.

‘I’m not surviving,’ says Indigenous 20-year-old denied SAJE rental assistance who can ‘barely cover’ rent.

Inside the fight for Indigenous jurisdiction over child services in Canada. First in an occasional series.

The Inquiry Regarding the Treatment, Experiences, and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System will wrap in 2025 amid efforts by Innu in Labrador to reclaim jurisdiction from province over child ‘welfare’.

After her $150,000 discrimination award was overturned, ‘Justine’ spent three days in the B.C. Court of Appeal. The outcome could have far-reaching impacts for Indigenous families.

It may be the toughest file in BC’s government. The new minister says she’s ready to meet the challenge.

Journalists can spur needed change but must take care not to add to trauma, say experts.

Tuition waivers are playing a pivotal role helping youth age out of care, but what about those from decades past?

Province could look to Florida or Connecticut for ideas on how to help former kids in care.

Inadequate support, limited awareness and eligibility restrictions have meant most youth from care aren’t benefiting from expanded initiatives.

NOTE: This story uses data obtained by the Spotlight: Child Welfare team, but it was not produced as part of this project.

An illustrated look at a day in the life of a child-protection worker.

‘We’re willing to give strangers just about anything to look after kids, but we have this blockage when it comes to supporting families,’ says professor.

Journalism collaboration Spotlight: Child Welfare aims to deepen and improve reporting on B.C.’s child-welfare system.

Black Press Media is part of a collaboration diving into Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Investigation reveals ministry isn’t meeting critical standards. ‘This should be a four-alarm fire,’ social work professor says.