Skip to main content

Youth Protection Act (YPA)

We offer full representation before the Court of Quebec, Youth Division, for parents when the Director of Youth Protection (DYP) is involved in their lives. Each service is personalized and delivered by a highly experienced team, led by Me Parent, who has considerable expertise in this field.

From the very first moment of contact, a quick meeting will be arranged with Me Parent in our offices. She and her legal team will immediately take charge of your entire file, carrying out an in-depth analysis to assess your family's particular situation, the reasons for compromise, and to identify the best strategies.

Involvement of the DPJ in Your Family

The announcement that the DPJ has received a complaint and must investigate is a shock for all families. Our team will be on hand to advise you quickly on the best strategy to take, and to explain the various steps to follow, right up to the possible judicialization of the case at the Court of Quebec, Youth Division.

It's important to consult us as soon as the referral is received and assessed, because your case is being prepared from the moment you first contact the DPJ. We can support you and help you navigate your first meetings with the social worker. This is an essential step, since it is following their investigation that the evidence will be gathered, and a decision will be made as to whether the case has been compromised and how to proceed.

If the investigation leads to the conclusion that the child has been compromised, the DPJ can either suggests that you sign voluntary measures, or the case will be referred to the courts. Voluntary measures are a form of contract with a number of conditions to be met, often very restrictive, valid for a period of 30 days. It is therefore essential to contact us before accepting or refusing these measures. Our team will be able to advise you on the repercussions of signing the document and evaluate the most favorable situation for your family.

Judicialization of the Case - Emergency Application and Provisional Measure

If the case goes to court, your family's file will be referred to the Court of Quebec, Youth Division, and a judge will decide on the measures applicable to your family. This type of application is either an emergency application valid for a maximum of 5 working days, or a provisional measure valid until the hearing on the merits. Several measures can be ordered at these hearings, including:

  • Placement in a foster family or local family

  • Placement in a youth center

  • No contact between the child and a parent or other individuals

  • Supervised visits between child and parent

It is important to contact us quickly so that our team can represent you in such cases. We will then be able to assess your file and determine whether the application is contested in whole or in part, and whether there is any scope for negotiating certain conditions. We will also be able to advise you on the best strategy to adopt at this stage based on your file, since these conditions will be applicable for several months. It is therefore important to be represented by a lawyer so that we can analyze your case and determine the best course of action and strategy.

It is also possible for a parent to submit a request for provisional measures to modify a decision already rendered when new facts arise. We will assess the viability of this request and will draft and present it for you if necessary.

Judicialization of the Case - Request for Compromise

This is the hearing, a sort of trial where there will be a real debate about the reasons for compromise alleged by the DPJ. This hearing generally takes place several months after the first court date. At this point, a judge will decide whether or not your children's safety has been compromised, and what protective measures need to be put in place in the event of compromise. Preparation for this hearing and the strategy to adopt in your interactions with the DPJ intervener will be put in place at our first meeting.

Several defenses can be considered in order to have the claim dismissed or to greatly limit its impact. We will prepare the necessary documentation for the hearing, conduct the necessary case law research, meet with your potential witnesses and develop a strategy with you, based on your objectives.

Judiciarisation of the case - Custody application to the Court of Québec

If there has previously been a judgment of compromise, it is possible to present a custody application to the Court of Québec, Youth Division, at the same time as the youth protection hearing. Certain conditions must be met before this type of application can be made.

Our team can analyze your file and your family situation and determine whether you are eligible. If so, we'll draw up the application and the necessary documents, and represent you at the custody hearing. This can be advantageous for you, since it allows the DPJ to get out of your life and saves you from having to take your case to Superior Court, thereby limiting your legal costs.

Youth Law Consultation Package

We recommend that you start with our consultation package, which will provide you with preliminary advice and a clear cost estimate for your case. This package includes one meeting, including:

  • Opening your file

  • A brief analysis of your family situation and the strategies you need to adopt

  • Recommendations to protect your rights

  • The possibility of commissioning experts to gather additional evidence

  • A detailed explanation of the upcoming judicial process

  • Answers to all your questions and concerns

Court Representation Package

For any subsequent representation in court, we will propose either an hourly rate or a global package, depending on the type of case and your needs. This step includes:

  • A thorough analysis of all evidence and documents

  • Preparing your defense, including consultations with experts, if necessary

  • Drafting and submission of all legal documents

  • Your complete representation in court

  • Regular follow-up to keep you informed of the progress of your case

Contact us to obtain an accurate estimate of the costs related to your situation
Quick Consultation Request

Our Recent Successes

Over the years, Me Gagnon and his team have achieved remarkable results in defending against drunk driving charges. Here are some examples of our recent successes:

Dismissal of Charges Due to Procedural Error

Through a meticulous analysis of the case, we demonstrated that our client's constitutional rights were violated during the police intervention, leading to the dismissal of the charges.

Complete Acquittal

In a complex case, our team proved that the equipment used to measure blood alcohol levels was possibly defective, resulting in our client's total acquittal.

Sentence Reduction

In several cases, we have succeeded in obtaining significant sentence reductions by demonstrating errors in breathalyzer tests or presenting convincing mitigating circumstances.
These successes reflect our commitment to vigorously defending our clients' rights and exploring all possible avenues to achieve the best outcome.

Advantages of Working with Us

The benefits of doing business with us

  • Meeting with your lawyer from day one
  • Advantageous flat rate
  • Extensive network of technical experts
  • 24 hr emergency line

Advantages of entrusting us with your case

  • Avoid the loss of your driver's license
  • Avoid demerit points
  • Avoid a conviction
  • Avoid a criminal record

Flat rate

  • No surprises
  • Advantageous and competitive rates
  • Based on the mandate
  • Possible payment Agreement

Blog

We are here for you, and we look forward to your visit!

Your cases will be handled directly by Me Gagnon and Me Parent, ensuring personalized attention without intermediaries. Administrative follow-up is managed by our assistant, Mrs. Chantal Lefebvre.

Quick Consultation Request

Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy