The count of children in care in Manitoba has risen for the first time in several years, with Indigenous youth outnumbering non-Indigenous children by a ratio of nine to one. According to the recent annual report from the Department of Families, there were 9,172 youth in care in 2024-25, an increase from 8,919 in the previous year.
Manitoba’s advocate for children and youth, Sherry Gott, expressed concern over the persistently high number of children in care, especially the disproportionate impact on Indigenous children. Despite attempts to decolonize child welfare structures, the outcomes have not significantly changed.
The report revealed a nearly three percent increase in the number of children in Child and Family Services (CFS) care in 2024-25 compared to the previous year, marking the first significant rise since 2016-17. Notably, 91 percent of youth in care as of March were Indigenous, higher than a decade ago when Indigenous youth accounted for 87 percent of the total children in care.
Efforts to reduce the number of Indigenous children in care align with recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Recent amendments to the Child and Family Service Act aim to keep Indigenous youth within their cultural communities and transfer child-welfare authority to Indigenous governments.
The introduction of kinship or customary care agreements in the provincial system emphasizes placing children with family or kin rather than in traditional CFS settings. These agreements involve parents retaining guardianship rights and actively participating in the care and planning for their children.
While there is an overall decreasing trend in the number of children in CFS care, fluctuations occur due to specific circumstances facing families or communities. The report distinguishes between family placements and other placements, with family placements being with relatives or kin and involving varying levels of guardianship and parental involvement.
The decrease in licensed foster homes in Manitoba has raised concerns, leading to a rise in non-pay care living arrangements. These situations involve children living in healthcare or incarceration settings, reflecting the need for more support and oversight in kinship and customary care arrangements.
Advocates emphasize the importance of prioritizing kinship and customary care while addressing the challenges and complexities unique to these arrangements. Building capacity and providing necessary support and oversight are crucial for improving the well-being of children in care.
The latest findings underscore the ongoing efforts to address disparities in the child welfare system and work towards better outcomes for all children in Manitoba.