The Government of Manitoba has announced they are no longer issuing birth alerts for "high-risk" mothers.

Families Minister Heather Stefanson announced today that the program requiring mothers to pass a test before they could bring their infant home has been discontinued.

“To build a relationship with an at-risk mother and connect her with the programs and supports she needs, first we need to build trust,” said Stefanson.  “Birth alerts are having the opposite effect, discouraging moms and families from reaching out at a time when we most want to work with them."

Previously if a mother was considered "high risk" Child and Family Services, as well as hospitals, would be notified. Once the baby was born, a further assessment would have been required before releasing the infant to the "high-risk" mother.

Stephenson believes this practice has resulted in mothers not seeking out help in fear of being considered at-risk and losing custody of their child once it is born. She hopes that the elimination of the program will result in more women connecting with services offered in their communities.

“Our priority is to help keep families together and reduce the number of children in care,” Stefanson says.

The province will be shifting its focus to help expecting mothers prepare for care for their infants and connect with services that can help them.