The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is launching a comprehensive, independent Review of the treatment, experiences and outcomes of Inuit children and youth in the Newfoundland and Labrador child protection system. The Review will identify deficiencies, explore promising and best practices, and make recommendations for improved outcomes within an appropriate cultural context. The Nunatsiavut Government requested her office conduct the independent Review. Scope includes:

• Inquire into why the child protection system is not producing favourable outcomes for Inuit children;
• Review policies, case management practices, and administrative practices for delivering child protection services to Inuit children; this will include reviewing data relating to key decision points including referrals, investigations, plans, assessments, removals and placements;
• Complete research into other Reviews, Inquiries and research findings on child protection experiences in Indigenous communities, including deficiencies, best practices and recommendations;
• Engage Inuit communities including young people, elders, leaders, service providers, parents, extended families and foster parents to identify experiences with the child welfare system, and solicit ideas for change;
• Make recommendations for improved child protection outcomes for Inuit children and youth within an appropriate cultural context;
• Report back to communities on findings and recommendations at the conclusion of the Review.

This Review will be completed by March 31, 2019. A public report will be released