What happens when the DPJ receives a report?
Short answer
In Quebec, the Directeur de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ, youth protection) first analyzes the report to decide whether to retain it. If it is retained, the DPJ carries out a thorough assessment of the child's situation in order to determine whether the child's security or development is in danger.
In detail
An intervention by the DPJ follows defined stages. At the processing of the report stage, the DPJ analyzes the situation summarily, makes verifications and determines how urgent the intervention is, then decides whether or not to retain the report.
If the report is retained, the assessment examines the nature, seriousness and frequency of the facts, the child's age and parenting capacity. Where there is an immediate need, emergency measures may apply for a maximum of 48 hours, extendable by provisional agreement up to 30 days.
Then comes orientation, with three possible routes: a short-term agreement of no more than 60 days, a voluntary measures agreement that may run up to 12 months with the parents' consent, or an application to the court where there is disagreement. That is followed by the implementation of the measures, then the periodic review of the situation, until the intervention ends.
What to document
The date and time of every contact with the DPJ, the name and title of each caseworker you meet, what you were told and what you were asked to do. Keep every document handed to you or signed. Also note what you do in response to requests: appointments made, services started, follow-ups completed. A dated record of your cooperation carries real weight at the review stage.
Put your facts in writing, free. Writing your version down early, keeping your documents dated and preparing your questions for a lawyer: the tool is there to document, never to advise.
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Official sources
- Gouvernement du Québec — Steps taken by the DYP when a situation is reported
- MSSS — Your child's situation has been reported to the DPJ. What should you know now?
Related questions
- What are my rights as a parent dealing with the DPJ?
- What is the difference between a voluntary measures agreement and going to court with the DPJ?
- Do grandparents have the right to see their grandchildren?
- Do I have to consult the other parent on important decisions even if I have custody?
- Does the parental union change anything about my children's custody and support?
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What this page is not
This is general legal information about the law of Quebec and Canada, dated and sourced. It is not legal advice, not a strategy, and not a prediction about the outcome of a case. In Quebec, only lawyers and notaries may give legal advice (Act respecting the Barreau du Québec, ss. 128 and 133). Laws and amounts change: the official source always prevails over us.