The Office of the Auditor General of Canada tabled its Foster Care in Nunavut report in the Legislative Assembly on Nov. 3. Auditors found the Department of Family Services did not consistently meet its own requirements for screening foster homes, checking on children and caregivers, keeping placement information accurate, or supporting foster caregivers. The audit covered Nov. 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026. Source↗

When Nunavut removes a child from home, the department becomes responsible for ensuring the placement is safe and that the child’s needs are being met. Auditors found no documented evidence that required monthly in-person contact had been maintained in 91 per cent of reviewed children’s files and 98 per cent of caregiver files. Five children had no documented contact for more than a year, including one gap longer than 17 months. Source↗

The department accepted all seven audit recommendations. It says it is continuing work under its 2023–2028 Ilagiitsiarniq plan, including improved caregiver onboarding, training, payments, care planning and monitoring. The Government of Nunavut reported that, as of Oct. 27, 2026, 97 per cent of 159 active foster homes had completed home studies and 82 per cent had vulnerable-sector checks completed within standard timelines. Those later departmental figures were not the audit’s sample results. Source↗

Auditors reviewed a representative sample of 40 foster-home files and a random sample of 44 children’s files. Of 21 new foster homes reviewed, 52 per cent had required home studies completed before placement; the other 48 per cent had a missing or incomplete study, or it was completed after a child was placed. In 53 per cent of 40 foster-home files, vulnerable-sector checks were missing or late for one or more adults. Of the 33 homes due for annual review during the audit period, only eight had the required reviews completed. Caregivers also lacked required health, family or trauma information in 32 of 44 children’s files. Source↗