MCK and KSCS sign Settlement Conference Protocol - Youth Protection files

09/25/2023

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) and Kahnawake Shakotiia�takehnhas Community Services (KSCS) recently signed the Protocol on Settlement Conferences (the Protocol) with the Court of Quebec and Youth Protection of the Mont�r�gie to provide the option of holding certain Youth Protection settlement conferences in the Territory of Kahnaw�:ke.

The Protocol gives families who meet specific criteria an alternative process to resolving their situation through a mediation process within the community itself instead of a judge deciding on the course of actions in an outside court. 

�When a family disagrees with the measures being recommended (by KSCS) to ensure the safety of a child, unfortunately, the only recourse we currently have available is to have a third party determine the actions needed to mitigate the risk to that child,� said KSCS Executive Director, Derek Montour. �The settlement conference process can be offered as a way for the family themselves to work out a plan with us, with a judge mediating the process, and families will never have to go to court.�

�This is an exceptional agreement that allows us to facilitate access to the settlement conference process by providing the option to hold it within the community,� said Tonya Perron, Lead Portfolio Chief of Justice. �Alternative methods of resolving conflict are more culturally appropriate than resolution through an adversarial process and should be considered at every opportunity.�

The Protocol came into effect on September 12, 2023.