Survey Findings and Recommendations Regarding An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families

In April 2025, Legal Aid Ontario and the University of Windsor Faculty of Law launched an exciting research project aimed at supporting lawyers who work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families in child protection matters. The project seeks to better understand practitioners' knowledge of the federal legislation, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families, and to inform the development of legal education and professional development resources based on the experiences and needs of frontline practitioners. In December 2025, a survey was distributed to lawyers on the Legal Aid Ontario roster who accept child protection certificates in Ontario. The survey focused on educational needs related to the federal Act and preferred methods of learning and professional development. It consisted of 11 voluntary questions, and all responses were collected anonymously. The information gathered through the survey has been used, and continues to be used, to support the development of legal education and professional training initiatives in the areas of child protection and child well-being. This report presents the final results of the survey. If you have any questions about the survey or its findings, please feel free to contact us.