What is the impact of the state's interference in the relationship between a parent and their child?

[178] As L’Heureux-Dubé J. wrote, unnecessary disruptions of the parent- child bond by the state have the potential to cause significant trauma to both the parent and the child. Parents should be accorded a relatively large measure of free from state interference to raise their children. See Winnipeg Child and Family Services v. K.L.W. ¶ 72-75.

[179] By the same token children are vulnerable. The family does not always provide a safe environment for children. Protecting children from harm has become a universally accepted goal. “Because children are vulnerable and cannot exercise their rights independently, particularly at a young age, and because child abuse and neglect have long-term effects that impact negatively both on the individual child and on society, the state has assumed both the duty and the power to intervene to protect children’s welfare.” See Winnipeg Child and Family Services v. K.L.W. ¶ 73-75.