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Imagine: it’s a morning like any other, and suddenly the Director of Youth Protection (DYP) shows up at your door. A report has been made, and they must intervene with your family. After assessing the situation, the DYP worker believes that a child’s safety or development is at risk. The DYP then continues its intervention by moving to the stage called orientation. At this point, the DYP seeks to determine: are you, as a parent, and your child motivated and able to resolve the problem?

The goal is to assess the situation, see whether you are ready to cooperate, and consider the best solutions with the DYP.

If so, you may be offered the opportunity to sign a voluntary measures agreement for your child. What does that mean in practical terms if you accept?

What do “voluntary measures” mean?

When a parent—and a child aged 14 or older—agree to sign such an agreement, they are making a real commitment to cooperate with the DYP to resolve the situation. Concretely, this means actively participating in the recommended actions, following the proposed plan, and doing everything possible to ensure the child’s well-being.

This is a significant step, and it is strongly recommended to consult a lawyer from the outset. The involvement of the DYP in a family can be disruptive. One may feel stressed, overwhelmed, or simply want to resolve the situation quickly to restore a sense of calm.

However, caution is necessary: signing an agreement without fully understanding its consequences is risky.

By signing, the parent acknowledges the facts presented by the DYP—those that led to the conclusion that the child’s safety or development was compromised. These admissions can carry serious weight in the file, and later it will be very difficult to challenge or nuance the acknowledged facts. In short, once the document is signed, it is nearly impossible to go back—and these admissions could be used as the basis for further interventions if the situation evolves.

If a parent—and a child aged 14 or older—refuse to voluntarily commit, or wish to withdraw after signing, the DYP will have to bring the matter before the court, and the case will become judicialized. At that point, it is important to note that the prior admissions made to adhere to voluntary measures will remain in the court record and will influence how the case proceeds.

Take Time to Reflect.

Before signing, take your time: you have 10 days to decide, whether on your own or with a lawyer. Use this period to fully understand what you are committing to and to ask all your questions.

If you feel the need for guidance or reassurance, don’t hesitate: contact us at 514-874-9742.

We are here to support you every step of the way.