Frequently Asked Questions
- If I am requesting to see my child's file and I am requested to prove that I have lawful custody of my child, what kind of proof of lawful custody would be required?
- Are there any particular requirements if I am requesting information from my child's file?
- How will I receive my requested information?
- How long will it take for my information request to be processed?
- What happens after I complete and submit my Children and Family Services Information Request form?
- Can I request to see my child’s file or the file of another family member?
- Am I allowed to view my original file?
- Can I request a copy of my whole file?
- Do I need to pay a fee to have an information request processed?
- Is there information that would be helpful for me to provide when I submit a request for information?
- Is there anything other than the completed form that I must provide in order to have an information request processed?
- Is my information in one file or are there separate files which contain different kinds of information?
- If my lawyer is requesting the information, do I still need to complete the form?
- How can I get information from my Children and Family Services file?
You may be required to provide a copy of a court order that proves lawful custody of the child, a birth certificate, or other relevant documentation.
Are there any particular requirements if I am requesting information from my child's file?
You are only able to request to see your child's file if you have lawful custody of your child. You may be required to provide proof of lawful custody. If your child is between the ages of 16 and 19 years, he or she must also consent to the release of information. If your child is over 19 years of age, he/she would have to request to see his/her own file.
How will I receive my requested information?
In most cases, the Department will send you the package of severed records by registered mail. If you wish to personally pick up the package, you are welcome to do so.
How long will it take for my information request to be processed?
The time period that it takes for an information request to be processed varies. Although the Child and Family Services Act does not specify a time frame within which requests for information must be processed, the Department ensures that it will process your request as quickly as possible. The Department’s Records Management Coordinator must often search for records in various locations throughout the Northwest Territories. The purpose of completing a thorough search is to ensure that you receive a full and accurate response to your request. This can be a time consuming process.
What happens after I complete and submit my Children and Family Services Information Request form?
The Department will mail you a letter of acknowledgement within 30 days of receiving your request and will begin searching for all files relevant to your information request.
Can I request to see my child’s file or the file of another family member?
You are only able to request to see your own file or your child’s file.
Am I allowed to view my original file?
No, the Department is legally required to sever all records before releasing them to individuals requesting information from their file. The Department will coordinate the copying and severing of records in the file.
Can I request a copy of my whole file?
You are only able to see your own file or your child's file.
Do I need to pay a fee to have an information request processed?
No, individuals wishing to have an information request processed do not have to pay a fee.
Yes, if you are aware of the names of the communities where you were in care; the specific years in care; the type of care (i.e. court order, voluntary service arrangement); and whether or not you were adopted, this information would be helpful in the search for information. If you are not aware of or do not recall these details, the Department will still be able to process your information request.
Yes, you must also provide two photocopied pieces of identification (driver’s license, birth certificate, etc…)
There is only one Children and Family Services file. However, records from the file may be found in various locations throughout the Territory. This file contains any information about you in regard to child protection, foster care, voluntary services or support services. The only exception to this would be if you were adopted. In that case, all of your information should be in a separate adoption file. If you want access to information in your adoption file, please contact the Adoptions Practice Specialist & Registrar at (867) 873-7943. Click here for more information on adoption services.
If my lawyer is requesting the information, do I still need to complete the form?
Yes, please complete the form and your lawyer can forward it on your behalf to the Department.
How can I get information from my Children and Family Services file?
Contact your local Health and Social Services Authority or the Department’s Children and Family Services Division to obtain a Children and Family Services Information Request form. You may also access the form on-line at www.hlthss.gov.nt.ca.
When contacting your local Health and Social Services Authority, please clearly indicate that it is your Children and Family Services file that you are requesting.