Competitive applicants will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Significant knowledge of and experience in child welfare proceedings under Child, Youth Family Enhancement Act (hereinafter referred to as “CYFEA”), the CYFEA Regulations and Children Services Enhancement Act Policy Manual including the case law in the reading list detailed in Appendix A to the Child Welfare Standards.
• Good understanding of the interplay between CYFEA and the Family Law Act as it relates to private guardianship, guardianship and other parenting arrangements. A strong knowledge of the rules of evidence is necessary as they relate to running a child welfare trial. Counsel should have experience in conducting all aspects of a child welfare file from running initial custody hearings, negotiating resolutions to conducting a child welfare trial.
• Specific education and experience in representation of Indigenous individuals in the child protection matters. Applicants must demonstrate an appreciation of the challenges faced by Indigenous individuals in the child protection and criminal justice system. Lawyers must have a deep understanding of the issues faced by Indigenous peoples and the continuing impacts that colonialism plays in their family’s lives.
• Knowledge of an Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families Manual including the caselaw in the reading list attached as Appendix A to the Child Welfare Standards, the United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Recommendations, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry’s Call to Justice and the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Special Report on the Overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the Child welfare system in Alberta are required reading.
•  Strong communication, problem solving, conflict management, resolution focused and negotiation skills in working with families involved in the child welfare system. This includes, for example, interest or experience working with families from Indigenous and marginalized communities, newcomers to Canada, families who are experiencing domestic violence, poverty, addiction, in addition to family breakdown. 
• Familiarity with the agencies and programs that serve families involved in the child welfare system within the lawyer’s geographic service area.
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Lawyers do require direct or extensive experience in the areas listed above, but if a lawyer lacks directly relevant experience in an area, the lawyer should have a plan for maintaining those competencies while a member of the panel.