Understand what happens next
Question & Answer
What if CAS takes my child?If your child is taken, one of the following happens within 5 days:
- Your child is returned to you. This happens if the (CAS) decides there’s no longer a risk of harm to your child.
- Your child is returned to the person who has a for . This can be your child’s other parent or someone else who has a custody order from family court.
- CAS asks you to sign a temporary care agreement. This agreement says that you and CAS agree:
- that you can’t care for your child for a short time, and
- to place your child in the care and custody of CAS for that time
You should speak to a lawyer before deciding whether you want to sign this agreement.
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CAS goes to court and starts a child . This happens if CAS decides there’s a risk of harm to your child and that your child can’t be protected by terms or conditions of supervision.
This means CAS thinks your child won’t be safe in your care even if you agree to work with CAS. For example, even if you agree to CAS’ request that you get counselling, CAS might still think your child won’t be safe in your care.
If CAS goes to court, they must tell you your court date by phone or in person. You should call a lawyer who has worked on child protection cases right away.
- Your child is put in . This is an option for some First Nations, Inuit, or Métis children.