The count of children under the care of Manitoba authorities has risen for the first time in several years, with Indigenous youth making up the majority at a ratio of nine to one when compared to non-Indigenous children. According to the latest annual report from the Department of Families, there were 9,172 youth in care during the 2024-25 period, marking an increase from the previous year’s figure of 8,919.
The advocate for children and youth in Manitoba, Sherry Gott, expressed concern over the high number of children in care, particularly the disproportionate impact on Indigenous children. Despite efforts to decolonize child welfare structures, the outcomes have not significantly changed, with 253 more children in the Child and Family Services (CFS) system during 2024-25, representing a nearly three percent increase, the first notable rise since 2016-17.
The report highlighted that as of March, 91 percent of youth in care were Indigenous, a higher percentage compared to a decade ago. This disparity was described by Gott as a stark reflection of ongoing inequities despite efforts to decolonize the system. The amendments to the Child and Family Service Act, implemented in 2023, aimed to address these issues by reducing the number of Indigenous children in care and promoting cultural community connections.
The introduction of kinship or customary care agreements in the provincial system emphasized placing children with family or kin instead of conventional CFS settings. These agreements involve parents retaining guardianship rights and active involvement in planning for their children. The report indicated that 42 children were in kinship or customary care arrangements as of March, with CFS case managers required to conduct regular in-person visits based on support needs.
While the overall trend shows a decrease in the number of children in CFS care, fluctuations occur due to specific circumstances facing families or communities. The annual report also differentiated between family placements and other placements, with one-quarter of children in care listed as being in family placements as of March. The report highlighted the need for more support and oversight in kinship and customary care arrangements to address their unique complexities effectively.
Concerns were raised about the decline in licensed foster homes and the rise in non-pay care living arrangements, indicating potential challenges in providing adequate support for vulnerable youth. The emphasis on prioritizing kinship and customary care arrangements was echoed by advocates, emphasizing the need for enhanced supports and accountability to address the complexities of these care models effectively.
