CHILD WELFARE: child welfare mediator & child welfare lawyer

Learning that your child has been apprehended by Child and Family Services (CFS) is one of the most distressing experiences a parent or guardian can face. Feelings of fear, confusion, and grief are natural.

With a strong foundation in child welfare law, including previous service as Crown Counsel for Alberta Justice, we offer both legal experience and compassionate guidance during this challenging time. Our practice is informed by having represented/experience with all parties involved in child protection matters, including:

• The Director of Child and Family Services  
• Roster (training) Children's Counsel through the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate  
• Parents and guardians involved in intervention proceedings
• Child Protection Mediation
   

With our extensive experience, we bring a well-rounded perspective and a deep understanding of the system. Our goal is to guide, support, and advocate for you at every stage of the process. We assist individuals as a child welfare lawyer, child welfare mediator or a child protection mediator, in Calgary and Alberta.

Under Alberta’s Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, CFS may intervene when a child’s safety, security, or development is at risk. Common grounds for apprehension include:

• The child has been abandoned or lost  
• The guardian has passed away, with no other suitable caregiver  
• Neglect or failure to meet the child’s basic needs  
• Risk or evidence of physical or sexual abuse  
• The guardian is unable or unwilling to protect the child  
• The child has suffered or is at risk of emotional injury  
• Exposure to cruel or unusual punishment
   

Emotional injury can occur in situations where a child is exposed to:

• Domestic violence  
• Substance use or untreated mental illness in the home  
• Chronic neglect  
• Persistent rejection, harsh criticism, or emotional abuse
   

The type of intervention depends on the urgency and severity of the situation. CFS involvement may take several forms:

A voluntary agreement where the child remains in the home while the family receives support services.

A court order allowing the child to stay at home under specific conditions, monitored by CFS. Typically lasts up to 6 months.
🔹 You have the right to oppose this order and request a hearing.

The Director temporarily assumes custody of the child. The child may be placed in foster or kinship care.
🔹 This order can be challenged in court.

The Director seeks permanent custody, often when reunification is not seen as possible within a reasonable time.
🔹 You are entitled to contest a PGO at trial.

CFS involvement will significantly impact your day-to-day life. You will be assigned a caseworker and may be required to interact with professionals such as:

• Parenting assessors  
• Mental health professionals  
• Addiction or domestic violence counselors  
• In-home support workers  
• Medical experts  
• Visit supervisors  
• Drug testing services
   

You may be allowed supervised visits with your child, either at home, in the community, or at a CFS office. These visits are observed and may be documented for use in court.

You may be asked to:

• Undergo parenting assessments  
• Participate in treatment or support programs  
• Maintain regular visitation  
• Appear in court  
• Testify under cross-examination
   

While the process can feel overwhelming, you do not have to navigate it alone.

We provide strategic, compassionate legal representation to help you understand your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.

✔ Clear explanation of your rights and obligations
✔ Detailed review of disclosure and evidence
✔ Court representation at all stages
✔ Guidance focused on family reunification
✔ Ongoing strategic advice

As being trained in family mediation and child protection mediation, we also offer mediation services to resolve issues outside of court. Mediation can support:

• Early dispute resolution  
• Improved communication with CFS  
• Development of visitation and reunification plans  
• Building cooperation and trust
   

➡️ Learn more on our [Mediation Process], [Mediation], or [Family Mediation] pages.

The information provided on this page is for general awareness, is subject to change, and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance, please consult a qualified lawyer or legal service provider.