The Quebec Civil Code states that young people cannot leave home or any other placement (temporary or permanent) which is like a home without your legal caregiver agreeing to it (Hanigan, 1997). The Youth Protection Act (YPA) says that in some situations the Director of Youth Protection (DYP) must intervene if the safety or the development of a child is or could be in danger. The DYP can, among other things, intervene if a minor shows signs of serious behavioral problems (section 38(f) of the Youth Protection Act).
For more information, you can consult the brochure “Your child’s situation has been reported to the DYP. What do you need to know?” by clicking on the following link:
http://www.centrejeunessedemontreal.qc.ca/pdf/dpj/brochure_signale_dpj.pdf
This brochure explains all the steps youth protection will take when and if they are informed of your situation.
This Youth Protection Act (YPA), or law also states that you and your caregivers should be able to give your opinions and be consulted at each step in the process. The workers at a Youth Centre or community workers can also explain to you other ways that your rights can and should be respected and tell you about your responsibilities, for example:
When you are living in an intensive supervision unit:
Revising the means of protection:
The DYP, you or your parents can request that a court re-examine a decision or an order if new facts have come up since this decision was made. These new facts must have a significant impact on the kind of placement you are in or supposed to be in, or on the reason for your being in this form of protection.
Le Comité des usagers du Centre jeunesse de Montréal
(The users committee of the youth protection centres of Montreal)
514-356-4562
Bureau des plaintes du Centre jeunesse de Montréal
(The complaints office of the youth protection centres of Montreal)
514-593-3600
Bureau du service de l’Accès à l’information
(The office of access to information)
514-593-3063
Bureau de l’Aide juridique – division jeunesse
(Legal Aid – Youth Division)
514-864-9833
Association des avocats et avocates en droit de la jeunesse (Tribunal de la jeunesse)
(Association of youth rights lawyers)
514-278-1738
Service de référence du Barreau de Montréal
(Legal reference services of Montréal)
514-866-2490
La Chambre de la jeunesse, Cour du Québec
(The youth court of Quebec)
514-495-5800
Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse
(The Human Rights an Youth Rights Commission)
514-873-5146