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DPJ complaint: your options

For a DPJ complaint, the right path depends on the problem. The service received goes first to the institution's complaints commissioner, then to the Protecteur du citoyen. A child's rights not being respected falls under the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse. A DPJ decision is challenged in court. The tool below points you in the right direction.

Checked November 2, 2026.

Which option to choose?

Choose your problem and the DPJ region. The tool shows the remedy, who to contact and the time limits.

The tool requires JavaScript. The options are also described below.

The service received: the complaints commissioner

The DPJ is part of a Santé Québec institution. A complaint about the services received, such as a worker's attitude, delays or communication, goes first to that institution's service quality and complaints commissioner. The Protecteur du citoyen states that it generally acts as a second step. The complaints assistance centre of your region helps write the complaint, at 1 877 767-2227.

Second step: the Protecteur du citoyen

The Protecteur du citoyen steps in if you are dissatisfied with the commissioner's decision or have no answer after 45 days. It covers network institutions, including youth centres, CISSS and CIUSSS. You can go to it up to two years after the commissioner's decision, through its online form or at 1 800 463-5070, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It reports an average of 60 working days to handle a complaint about the health and social services network.

The child's rights: the youth rights commission

The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse explains that not respecting the rights of a child who needs protection is a violation of rights. It applies to young people under 18 whose situation is or could be handled by the DPJ. Examples given by the Commission include the right to be consulted, the right to communicate and the right to communicate with a lawyer. You can request an investigation at 1 800 361-6477.

A DPJ decision: the court

Section 74.2 of the Youth Protection Act allows the child or the parents to go to court when they disagree with the DPJ decision on whether the situation is in danger, on the orientation, on extending a voluntary placement or at a review. The child and parents have the right to a lawyer throughout the intervention, according to Québec.ca. This guide explains the official remedies. It is not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

How do I file a complaint against the DPJ?

For the service received, you first contact the service quality and complaints commissioner of the institution the DPJ belongs to. If the answer is unsatisfactory or takes more than 45 days, you go to the Protecteur du citoyen. For a DPJ decision, the remedy is the court.

Who do I contact if the DPJ does not respect my child's rights?

The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse, at 1 800 361-6477. It investigates violations of the rights of young people whose situation is handled by the DPJ.

Can a DPJ decision be challenged?

Yes, in court. Section 74.2 of the Youth Protection Act allows the child and the parents to do so, including for the decision on whether the situation is in danger and for the chosen orientation.

Sources