Kenora MP Bob Nault says the federal government is preparing new legislation to turn aboriginal child welfare services over to Indigenous communities and agencies.
Nault says the bill, which is being co-developed with First Nation, Inuit and Metis groups, is expected to be introduced sometime in 2019.
He notes the intent is to prevent children from being taken from their home without their parent’s consent.
Nault says this will give control and responsibility for First Nations children back to their own community and First Nations governments.
He notes more consultations will be held to determine the exact structure of the legislation and to ensure it’s culturally appropriate.
Recent statistics show that over 52% of children in foster homes are aboriginal and Nault says they want to address the over-representation of Indigenous children in care.
