Manitoba government bill would give First Nations more say in child welfare

Proposed law to keep CFS kids in home communities The province's plan is in response to the high number of indigenous children in foster care in Manitoba.

WINNIPEG -- The Manitoba government is moving to give First Nations communities more of a say in the province's child-welfare system.

A proposed law would recognize the practice of customary care in which troubled aboriginal children are placed with other relatives or families in the same community.

Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross says community leaders would help determine care plans and parents would maintain guardianship of their children.

The plan was first promised in last month's throne speech, and is in response to inquiry recommendations that have criticized the high number of aboriginal children in foster care.

Irvin-Ross also says there will be an increased focus on helping families before their children become at risk of apprehension.