Following the high-profile case of Abdoul Abdi, a new policy in Nova Scotia requires social workers to consider the immigration status of children in protection cases.
Abdi faced deportation after five years in prison for various offences due to his immigrant status, but Ottawa officials decided not to deport him as he came to Canada when he was only two years old.
Taken into provincial care, Abdi never gained citizenship and was shuffled between 31 different foster homes as a child, resulting in behavioural issues that were not adequately treated.
To prevent this type of case, social workers will now document a child’s citizenship status every 90 days, even applying for citizenship on their behalf when appropriate. In addition, they will consult with experts when necessary.