If you are a young person in CFS care in Manitoba, you have specific legal rights — and knowing them is the first step toward self-advocacy. Under Manitoba's Child and Family Services Act, youth in care are entitled to a written care plan, cultural connection, transition planning, and more. With 9,172 children currently in CFS care across Manitoba, understanding these rights has never been more important. This guide explains each right in plain language and connects you with people who can help.
What Are Your Rights as a Youth in CFS Care?
Youth in CFS care in Manitoba have legally protected rights covering every aspect of daily life, from where they live to maintaining cultural connections. These rights come from Manitoba's Child and Family Services Act and are reinforced by federal legislation like Bill C-92, which affirms Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services.
According to Futures Forward, a Manitoba youth advocacy organization, your core rights include:
- A written care plan — Your agency must create a care plan within 30 days of you coming into care, and you have the right to participate in developing it.
- Regular contact with your worker — Your CFS worker must visit you at least once a month.
- Cultural and spiritual connection — You have the right to maintain connections to your culture, language, community, and spiritual practices.
- A transition plan — Starting at age 15, your agency must work with you on a plan for moving toward independence.
- Personal allowance — You are entitled to a personal spending allowance appropriate to your age.
- Privacy — Your personal information is protected and cannot be shared without proper authorization.
- Access to an advocate — You can contact the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth at any time, privately and without permission.
- Education support — You have the right to attend school and receive educational support, including alternative education pathways.
Manitoba Child Welfare in 2026: What the Numbers Show
Manitoba's child welfare system currently serves 9,172 children — a 3% increase from the previous year and the first rise in several years. Manitoba Advocate Sherry Gott called these numbers "unacceptably high," noting that Indigenous children continue to be disproportionately represented.
The data underscores why knowing your rights matters:
- 91% of children in care are Indigenous, up from 87% a decade ago (Manitoba Department of Families Annual Report, 2025).
- Nationally, Indigenous children make up 52% of all children in foster care despite being only 7.7% of the child population, according to Statistics Canada (2024).
- Manitoba had 88 fewer licensed foster homes in 2024-25 compared to the previous year.
- The Manitoba government invested $2 million in CFS liaison workers, helping 480 families stay together since 2021.
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs' Organization has spoken plainly about the challenges: "Indigenous children in care are being underserved... Our children deserve better." When the system is stretched, knowing what you are entitled to helps ensure you receive the support you need.
How Youth in Care Rights Compare Across Canada
Manitoba offers earlier transition planning (age 15 vs. 16 in Ontario and BC), extensions of care until age 25, and strong cultural connection protections through both provincial law and the four-authority devolution model. Each province has different strengths, and understanding the comparison helps advocates push for the best possible protections.
| Right / Feature | Manitoba | Ontario | British Columbia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Care plan requirement | Within 30 days | Within 30 days (CYFSA 2017) | Required, no fixed timeline |
| Transition planning age | Starts at 15 | Starts at 16 | Starts at 16 (AYA program) |
| Extensions of care | Up to age 25 | Up to age 23 (CYFSA) | Up to age 27 (AYA) |
| Cultural connection rights | Yes — CFS Act + Bill C-92 | Yes — CYFSA 2017 | Yes — provincial legislation |
| Independent advocate | Manitoba Advocate (MACY) | Ontario Ombudsman | Representative for Children and Youth |
| Youth peer support network | VOICES Manitoba | Various community orgs | FBCYICN (SAJE program) |
| Indigenous jurisdiction (C-92) | Four-authority devolution model | C-92 applies | C-92 applies |
For more on how Manitoba's post-care support works, see our guide to extensions of care in Manitoba.
How to Exercise Your Rights: Step by Step
You can exercise your CFS rights by requesting your care plan in writing, initiating transition planning at age 15, documenting all meetings and agreements, and contacting the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth for free, confidential support at any time. Here is a step-by-step approach.
1. Request your care plan in writing
Ask your CFS worker for a copy of your care plan. If you do not have one or it has not been updated, request that one be created or revised. You have the right to participate in every care planning meeting.
2. Start transition planning early
If you are 15 or older, ask about your transition plan. This should cover housing, education, employment, and community connections. Programs like New Steps ILP provide transitional housing with wraparound supports designed for this stage of your journey.
3. Document everything
Keep a record of meetings, agreements, and concerns. Written records support you if you ever need to escalate an issue.
4. Connect with your advocate
The Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth provides free, confidential support. Contact them directly at 1-800-263-7146 — no permission needed from your worker or caregiver.
5. Know your cultural rights
If you are Indigenous, you have specific rights to cultural connection under both Manitoba law and federal Bill C-92. This includes access to Elders, ceremony, language programs, and community events.
Indigenous Self-Determination in Child Welfare
Indigenous communities across Canada are reclaiming jurisdiction over child and family services through Bill C-92, the federal law affirming their inherent right to govern their own child welfare systems. Five years in, 89 Indigenous Governing Bodies have declared intent to exercise jurisdiction and 14 Indigenous child welfare laws are now in force, according to a 2025 analysis by OKT Law.
In Manitoba, CFS services are delivered through a four-authority devolution model: First Nations of Northern Manitoba, First Nations of Southern Manitoba, the Métis Authority, and the General Authority, overseeing 28 agencies. This structure brings services closer to communities and supports culturally grounded care.
Federal investment is also growing. In February 2026, Ottawa committed $1.55 billion to Jordan's Principle through 2027, ensuring First Nations children receive equitable access to services without jurisdictional disputes. Named after Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation, this principle has become a cornerstone of equitable service delivery for Indigenous children.
Where to Get Help and Advocacy Support
The Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (1-800-263-7146), VOICES Manitoba, Futures Forward, and New Steps ILP all provide free advocacy and direct services for youth in and leaving CFS care in Winnipeg. You do not need permission from your worker to contact any of them.
- Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth — Free, confidential advocacy for child welfare, education, mental health, and justice issues. Call 1-800-263-7146.
- VOICES: Manitoba's Youth in Care Network — Youth-driven organization where all staff have lived experience with CFS. Peer advocacy, leadership programs, and community connection.
- Futures Forward — Resources on youth rights and CFS support.
- New Steps ILP — Transitional housing, learning centre, life skills, and culturally grounded programming for youth transitioning from care on Treaty 1 Territory. Check eligibility.
If you are a professional looking to refer a young person, visit our professionals page for referral pathways and intake information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rights do youth in CFS care have in Manitoba?
Youth in CFS care have the right to a written care plan within 30 days, monthly worker visits, cultural and spiritual connection, a transition plan starting at age 15, a personal allowance, privacy of records, and access to the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth. These rights are protected under Manitoba's Child and Family Services Act.
How do I file a complaint about my CFS worker in Manitoba?
Contact the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth at 1-800-263-7146. They provide free, confidential advocacy and can investigate concerns about your care. No permission from your worker or caregiver is needed.
What is Bill C-92 and how does it affect youth in care?
Bill C-92 is a federal law affirming Indigenous communities' right to govern their own child and family services. Since taking effect in 2020, 14 Indigenous child welfare laws have come into force across Canada. For Indigenous youth, this means growing access to culturally grounded services designed and delivered by their own communities.
Can I stay in care past age 18 in Manitoba?
Yes. Manitoba offers extensions of care that can continue support until age 25. These extensions can include housing support, educational funding, and ongoing case management. Apply through your CFS agency. Learn more in our extensions of care guide.
What is Jordan's Principle and how do I access it?
Jordan's Principle ensures First Nations children can access health, education, and social services without delays caused by federal-provincial jurisdictional disputes. The federal government committed $1.55 billion through 2027. Requests can be made through your band, CFS agency, or Indigenous Services Canada.
If you or someone you know is a young person in care needing support, reach out to New Steps. We provide transitional housing, life skills programming, and culturally grounded support on Treaty 1 Territory in Winnipeg. You can also get involved as a community supporter.
