Complaint Checker

How to Complain to CFS

You may wish to take the following steps to try to resolve your complaint:

• Ask if you can speak with a supervisor or manager about your issue.
• Ask if there is a review or appeal available to you.
• Write down the names of the people you speak with, when you spoke with them and what they said.
• Treat people respectfully and courteously and listen carefully to them.
• Ask questions if you do not understand what is being said.
• When complaining in writing, clearly explain the issue. Keep a copy of your correspondence and other documentation.

Court matters

Please note, the Alberta Ombudsman does not have jurisdiction to investigate matters decided by the court, such as apprehension orders, permanent guardianship orders, etc. If you have concerns with a matter decided by the court, you may wish to seek legal advice (hyperlink to legal advice page).

You can learn more about Child Intervention decisions, here: https://www.alberta.ca/dispute-resolution-for-child-intervention.

Delegated First Nation Agency (DFNA)

The Alberta Ombudsman does not have jurisdiction to investigate complaints about DFNAs. For complaints, contact the DFNA directly. If you have exhausted your review options with the DFNA, you may wish to elevate your complaint to the CFS Executive Director, Field Operations Liaison. If you do so and receive a written response, contact the Alberta Ombudsman to see if our office can review the response.

Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA)

If you are seeking advocacy for a young person in relation to CFS, you may wish to contact the OCYA, here: https://www.ocya.alberta.ca/contact-us/.