P.E.I. Legislature Passes Bill Allowing Authorities to Return Runaway Children

The P.E.I. Legislature passed a bill Tuesday giving police and child protection workers authority to return runaway children to a safe home. Families in the spectators' gallery cried and embraced each other as members stood one after another to support the measure.

The legislation amends the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. It permits authorities to act by warrant or without one if a child faces immediate danger.

Background on the Legislation Parents who spoke during debate described children who had left home, skipped school, and associated with older youths. One parent said her child fell in with the wrong crowd. Another parent told legislators that her child refused to return and was getting into trouble with much older youths she said were grooming him.

Simpson said the stories were heartbreaking. "We will protect children from dangers and harms with this [bill] in the future," Simpson said. Simpson added that the bill does not stop children from leaving home but gives authorities early intervention tools.

She said child protective services will step in if a child discloses an unsafe home situation. The bill has passed but has not yet been proclaimed into law.