If Children and Family Services has concerns about your family but believes your child can stay safely at home with support, you may be offered a Family Enhancement Agreement. It is one of the least intrusive tools under Alberta’s Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA). It is still a legal document with real consequences, so it is worth understanding before you sign.
What is a Family Enhancement Agreement?
A Family Enhancement Agreement is a voluntary written agreement between a child’s guardian and the Director under the CYFEA. It sets out a plan: the concerns that need to be addressed, the services the family will receive and the steps the guardian agrees to take. Throughout, the child stays in the guardian’s care.
These agreements are generally used where the risk to a child is lower and supports can reduce the danger. Services might include parenting programs, counselling, addiction or mental health supports, in-home help, respite or practical and financial assistance.
How it differs from a court order
| Family Enhancement Agreement | Supervision Order | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Agreed between you and the Director | Ordered by a judge |
| Where your child lives | At home with you | At home with you |
| Court involvement | None | Alberta Court of Justice |
| Can conditions be enforced? | Not by court, but breaches can lead to further action | Yes, conditions are court-ordered |
Because there is no court process, an agreement is usually faster and less adversarial. It can keep your family out of court entirely if the plan works.
What a typical agreement covers
- The specific concerns Children and Family Services has identified
- Services and supports the Director will provide or fund
- Tasks you agree to complete, such as attending programs or assessments
- How often a caseworker will visit or check in
- How long the agreement lasts and when it will be reviewed
Agreements are made for a set term and can be renewed if more time is needed to complete the plan. If the terms are met and the concerns are resolved, the file is usually closed.
Before you sign: Make sure every concern listed is accurate, every task is realistic for your schedule and finances, and you understand what happens if you cannot complete a step. You are entitled to get legal advice first.
What if things do not go to plan?
If new concerns come up, or the Director believes the agreement is not working, it may move to a more intrusive option. That could mean a Custody Agreement, an application for a Supervision Order or, in more serious cases, an apprehension.
What you do while an agreement is in place may later be used as evidence in court. Following through on the plan, keeping records of the programs you attend and staying in contact with your caseworker can make a real difference if the matter ever goes before a judge.
Can a Family Enhancement Agreement be changed or ended?
Because it is voluntary, an agreement can generally be reviewed and amended by both sides. If you disagree with a decision made under it, you can raise it with the caseworker’s supervisor and manager, and some decisions can go to an administrative review. You can also contact the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate for help.
Agreements with youth
The CYFEA also allows enhancement agreements directly with youth aged 16 or 17 in some situations, for example where a youth is living independently and needs support. These have their own rules and eligibility criteria.
How Olex Legal can help
A short consultation before you sign can help you understand the agreement, negotiate clearer or more realistic terms and plan for what comes next. Read our complete guide to child intervention in Alberta, or book a consultation with our Calgary family law team.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Family Enhancement Agreement an admission that I did something wrong? No. It is generally a plan for support, not a finding by a court. Still, read the concerns it describes carefully, and ask for corrections if they are inaccurate.
Can I have a lawyer review it first? Yes. You have the right to get legal advice before signing, and it is a good idea to do so.
Will my child be removed if I refuse? Not automatically. Refusing may lead the Director to consider other options, including a court application, depending on the level of risk.
How long does an agreement last? It is made for a set term that is written into the agreement, and it can be renewed if more time is needed. Ask your caseworker to confirm the end date and review dates.
What services can I get? It depends on your family’s needs. Services may include counselling, parenting programs, addiction or mental health supports, in-home help and some financial assistance.
What happens when it ends? If the concerns are resolved, the file is usually closed. If not, the Director may renew the agreement or consider other options.
