The Child and Family Services Act, 2023, was implemented yesterday, aiming to improve outcomes for children, youth and families in Saskatchewan.

Amendments to the Act focus on three main areas which are enhancing family, community and cultural connections for children and youth; raising the legal age of the child from up to 16 years to up to 18 years of age; and increasing flexibility of information sharing, disclosure and confidentiality.

According to a news release from the province, the legislation broadens information sharing to include Indigenous Governing Bodies. Amendments also allow the ministry to disclose records of a deceased individual to a personal representative or immediate family member of a deceased individual. Saskatchewan is the first jurisdiction in Canada to have legislation that allows for the release of deceased persons’ records without consent.

In order promote the successful completion of their current school year, youth will now also be able to receive ongoing services past their 18th birthday.

Several Indigenous authorities, community-based organizations, the Advocate for Children and Youth, and youth with lived experience were all engaged on the amendments and provided feedback.