Sheilagh M. O’Connell

The maternal grandparents applied to adopt their 18-year-old grandson, who had been in their custody since he was six weeks old.

The court noted that under the Child and Family Services Act, the informed consent of the adult adoptee is mandatory.

Because the application record lacked evidence of the grandson's views, preferences, or consent, the court directed the applicants to file a variant of Form 34 or other sworn evidence of his consent before the adoption could proceed.

The applicant facility sought an extension of a young person's commitment to a secure treatment program due to ongoing self-harming behaviour and suicidal ideation.

The young person opposed the extension, arguing she had made significant progress and could be treated in a less restrictive community setting.

The court found that recent incidents of self-harm constituted attempts to cause serious bodily harm and that no less restrictive method of treatment was appropriate given the intense supervision required.

The application for a 180-day extension was granted.